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Women's Basketball

CSUB Looks To Remain Perfect At UTEP



BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The CSU Bakersfield women's basketball team will look to remain perfect as the Roadrunners travel to El Paso, Texas this week for a 7 p.m. MT tip-off with UTEP on Wednesday, Nov. 14.
 
When asked how to keep the momentum going, McCall replied, "We're just trying to get better each game, but staying consistent in the things we've been doing well and improving on the things that we're not doing so well will be important."
 
The Miners handled Alcorn State 77-51 last week in their season opener at home. With exhibition contests against Texas-based St. Mary's University (W, 70-51) and Western New Mexico University (W, 66-45), Bakersfield will be their first real test this year.
 
This will be the third-straight season that the Miners welcome CSUB to Don Haskins Center. UTEP owns the all-time record (2-0), taking the last two seasons' matchups by double digit win margins. 
 
When asked if the Miners' series sweep had been discussed in practice or in the locker room, McCall grinned and said, "Yes, definitely. We were just talking about that yesterday in practice. Of course we'd like to do be on the receiving end of a win this year but it's going to be tough. They're a confident team and well-coached but we have a really good opportunity to go in and handle business."
 
Although it hasn't been a cake walk, Bakersfield is coming off its first 2-0 start since the 2014-15 season. The Roadrunners jumped out to double-digit first half leads on Wright State and UC Santa Barbara before hitting what head coach Greg McCall called "third quarter burnout." 
 
In both contests, the opposing team was able to capitalize on missed third quarter shots and fouls to remain in the game and eventually cut the lead to single digits entering the final period. On paper, the Roadrunners are just one quarter away from becoming a complete postseason NCAA tournament contender.
 
"Teams are going to make adjustments at half," added McCall. "We're going to make our adjustments too but we can't sacrifice our fire or intensity. We'll need to stay aggressive, continue to make easy shots, and figure out how to stay out of foul trouble defensively."
 
Through two contests, Alexxus Gilbert and JJ Johnson are averaging 16.5 and 14.0, respectively. Gilbert, a five-foot-seven guard, is leading the team in scoring and is third in rebounds with 6.0 per game. Senior forward Malayasia McHenry recorded her first double-double with the Roadrunners last week after tallying 13 points and a career-high 13 rebounds.
 
 
MEDIA COVERAGE
Wednesday night's showdown with UTEP will be live streamed but the link is not avaialble at this time. Check the women's basketball schedule page for game link updates. Live stats will be available here. For in-game coverage follow CSU Bakersfield women's basketball on Twitter @csub_wbb. 
 
~GoRunners.com~
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Players Mentioned

Alexxus Gilbert

#12 Alexxus Gilbert

G
5' 7"
Junior
JJ Johnson

#20 JJ Johnson

G
5' 7"
Redshirt Junior
Malayasia McHenry

#15 Malayasia McHenry

F
6' 1"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Alexxus Gilbert

#12 Alexxus Gilbert

5' 7"
Junior
G
JJ Johnson

#20 JJ Johnson

5' 7"
Redshirt Junior
G
Malayasia McHenry

#15 Malayasia McHenry

6' 1"
Junior
F
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