CSUB to Host Cal Poly Before Hitting the Road

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – CSU Bakersfield's men's basketball team is looking to ride the momentum of a three-game win streak into its final home game of 2018. The Roadrunners will renew an old rivalry with Cal Poly this week when the Mustangs come to the Icardo Center on Tuesday, Dec. 18, for the first time in six years. With no rest for the weary, CSUB will fly to Oregon to take on Portland State on Thursday, Dec. 20.

CSUB and Cal Poly share a rich history, which dates all the way back to Bakersfield's first-ever season, 1971-72. As former members of the CCAA during their NCAA Division II days, the `Runners and Mustangs met multiple times a year for decades. Tuesday's matchup will be the 58th meeting in the all-time series, in which CSUB holds a 33-24 advantage.

Since moving to NCAA Division I in 2007-08, CSUB has bested Cal Poly in six of eight games. The two programs have not met since the 2011-12 season, during which the `Runners earned two victories by a combined margin of five points.

Cal Poly will come to Bakersfield with a 3-6 record after dropping a road game at Cal on Saturday. The Mustangs look to point guard Donovan Fields to create most of their offense as the senior averages nearly 16 points and 4 assists per game.

Portland State will welcome CSUB to Oregon with a 5-5 record after falling to a tough Loyola Marymount squad (10-1).The Vikings and `Runners last met two years ago in Bakersfield when CSUB edged PSU 81-79 with both offenses firing on all cylinders. Portland State has four student-athletes averaging double-digit points while Holland Woods leads the way with more than 15 points a contest.

A well-balanced offense and a swarming defense helped CSUB (6-4) overwhelm Lamar last week. The `Runners have won three-straight contests and are looking to close out their 2018 home games with a 4-0 record in the Icardo Center on Tuesday.

Tipoff on Dec. 18 is scheduled for 7 p.m. for CSUB's Holiday Hoops game. Tickets will be discounted for fans who bring a new toy to the game. Santa Claus will be in the lobby to take pictures with `Runner fans while other holiday themed events like an ugly Christmas sweater competition will take place throughout the game.

For `Runner fans who cannot make it to Tuesday's game, links to the WatchESPN live stream, radio broadcast, and live stats are all available on the CSUB men's basketball schedule page. On Thursday, the `Runners and Vikings will face off at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast via PlutoTV (Channel 232) and live on radio. Links for those can be found at the same link as above. Fans can also follow along with the @CSUB_MBB Twitter account (link above) for live updates during both games.

~GoRunners.com~

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