Pair Of Future Big West Opponents Await CSUB This Weekend

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – CSU Bakersfield women's basketball will open its six-game road docket this weekend when the Roadrunners head south for a couple of future Big West Conference previews with UC Irvine (5-0) on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Cal State Fullerton (2-4) on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

"It's always a challenge when you're going into someone else's gym and facing someone else's fans," explained head coach Greg McCall. "We're up for it though. I think we've been responding well to adversity and success. We're starting off with two tough games. Especially the first one."

UC Irvine is coming off their first-ever 5-0 start while Fullerton has lost its last three contests to Portland, Santa Clara, and San Diego State. The Titans host Dartmouth tonight before welcoming the Roadrunners.

"UC Irvine is 5-0," said McCall. "They really busted us up at home last season with a pretty darn good team and they're even better this year. But we're better too and we're ready for the challenge."

Thursday, Nov. 29 will be the 15th time that CSUB and the Anteaters have matched up against one another. Bakersfield owns the all-time series 11-3, although, UC Irvine returns 10 players from last year's roster that handed the `Runners a 59-72 loss at home.

Saturday, Dec. 1 will be the eighth time Bakersfield and Fullerton see one another in nonconference play. CSUB holds a 4-3 advantage in the all-time series but the popular matchup has been on hold since the 2011-12 season after the Titans came to the Icardo Center and left with a 67-58 road win.

"Fullerton is a really good team," added McCall. "We got them last year but they brought a lot of people back and they're a better team than what's on paper. This weekend will be a good test to see how we stack up with a couple of future conference opponents while also getting valuable experience on the road as we continue to prepare for the second half of our season."

The Roadrunners have won three out of their last five contests and are coming off a 54-point decision over Westcliff University behind senior Alexxus Gilbert's career-high 20 points and eight assists. Five players finished in double figures and all but one `Runner that entered the game set or reset their own career-highs.

MEDIA COVERAGE
Thursday night's dogfight with UC Irvine will be livestreamed on Big West TV. Live stats will also be available. Saturday's matinee against Cal State Fullerton will be livestreamed on Big West TV and live stats will be available. For in game coverage follow CSU Bakersfield women's basketball on Twitter @csub_wbb.

~GoRunners.com~

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Players Mentioned

#12 Alexxus Gilbert: G; 5' 7"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#12 Alexxus Gilbert
: 5' 7"; Junior
: G

Players Mentioned

#12 Alexxus Gilbert

Players Mentioned

#12 Alexxus Gilbert