BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The CSU Bakersfield men's basketball team welcome in two Western Athletic Conference rivals this week to Bakersfield. First, on Thursday, Feb. 1, Chicago State will come to town and then the `Runners finish up the week with a game against UMKC on Saturday night, Feb. 3.
The Roadrunners were just in Chicago for a game against Chicago State back on Jan. 20 and were able to get the win on the road, 89-78. The `Runners had six players score in double digits in the victory, their first WAC victory of the season.
Chicago State comes to the Icardo Center with a record of 2-21 overall and 0-6 in the WAC this season. Cougars Anthony Harris led all scorers in the game back in January on 8-12 shooting and he was also 3-4 from three point territory.
UMKC comes to Bakersfield with a 6-17 record overall and 1-5 in the WAC, but that lone conference win was against the `Runners back on Jan. 18 in Kansas City. The Kangaroos shot the lights out from three point land in the first half, going 8-15 and held on for the 62-59 home victory. `Runners
Jarkel Joiner led all scorers in the game with 19 points and the freshman also led everyone in rebounds with 10, his first collegiate double double.
`Runners Head Coach
Rod Barnes was asked if his team is feeling some pressure and Coach Barnes said, "we always feel pressure when we play at home. We always want to defend our home floor, so there is definitely some pressure." Obviously, two wins this week in the Icardo would put the `Runners at 3-5 in the WAC and getting right back in the mix.
Coach Barnes went on to add, "inconsistency is my biggest concern, especially with our offensive efficiency. Our team just can't go out and win a game on the defensive end right now." Barnes later talked about how fresh is his team and Coach said, "I've really started to watch some guys minutes. I don't need them running out of gas. I will need them in three weeks, as well as this week. I would expect you to see a lot of
Justin McCall this week and we all know what he can do on the defensive end."
Both games will tip off at 7 p.m. this week and can be viewed live on ESPN3.
