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DamiyneDurham03
55
CSU Bakersfield CSUB 1-2
67
Winner Central Michigan CMU 3-0
CSU Bakersfield CSUB
1-2
55
Final
67
Central Michigan CMU
3-0
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
CSU Bakersfield CSUB 20 35 55
Central Michigan CMU 31 36 67

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

CSUB Overcomes 17-Point Deficit But Falls To CMU



BIMINI, The Bahamas – A hard-fought, physical matchup to open the Junkanoo Jam featured multiple big swings between CSU Bakersfield and Central Michigan. The Roadrunners erased a 17-point deficit, gaining a late lead on the Chippewas, but CMU rallied back and hit its free throws down the stretch to take a 67-55 victory over CSUB.

The first five minutes of the game featured fast-paced defense from the Chippewas, who gained an 11-2 lead. Central Michigan's full-court press gave the `Runners problems initially, but CSUB responded with a 6-0 run to stay close.

After a tightly-defended first 10 minutes of the game, CMU used a 12-1 run to open a 14-point lead at 23-9. Junior college transfer Kevin McNeal cut off the run, swishing a three-pointer from the top of the arc. Despite a strong surge from Bakersfield to end the half, several mental mistakes by the `Runners led the Chippewas to a 31-20 advantage at halftime.

Unfazed by the slow start in the first half, CSUB opened the second period on an 11-3 run, cutting CMU's lead to just three points at 34-31. Defensive execution and hustle by the `Runners catalyzed the run, which was later followed by another spurt. Back-to-back three pointers by Damiyne Durham put the `Runners ahead 47-43 with nine minutes left in the game.

The Chippewas answered back and regained a slim lead with just over 5 minutes remaining. Back-to-back three-pointers by David DiLeo put CMU ahead 62-54 with a minute and a half remaining. The `Runners were unable to rally in the final 90 seconds and fell by a score of 67-55 after Central Michigan knocked down crucial free throws.

As a team, CSUB struggled offensively, but kept itself in the contest with strong defense. Central Michigan was only able to convert 39% of its attempts on the night and just 26% of its three-pointers as CSUB contested shot after shot. The `Runners out-blocked CMU 6-2 on the game, recording its highest block total since playing the same CMU team a year ago at the Great Alaska Shootout.

Redshirt senior Damiyne Durham led the `Runners on Thursday night in The Bahamas, tallying 16 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. Redshirt sophomore Greg Lee just missed a double-double off the bench, recording 12 points and nine rebounds for CSUB.

With the loss, Bakersfield will have to wait until Saturday to play its next contest in the Junkanoo Jam. The `Runners will face the losers of the matchup between Weber State and San José State. Saturday's game is set for another 6 p.m. (ET) tip off.
 
~GoRunners.com~
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