Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

Next Event

JarkelJoinerDD03
David Dennis/All-Star Sports Photography
54
CSU Bakersfield CSUB 8-5
89
Winner Gonzaga GON 13-2
CSU Bakersfield CSUB
8-5
54
Final
89
Gonzaga GON
13-2
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
CSU Bakersfield CSUB 24 30 54
Gonzaga GON 43 46 89

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

No. 7/8 Gonzaga Snaps CSUB's Win Streak



SPOKANE, Wash. – The CSU Bakersfield men's basketball team opened and closed its non-conference schedule with a pair of ranked team as the Roadrunners took on No. 7/8 Gonzaga on New Year's Eve. Bakersfield battled from start to finish, forcing the Bulldogs to earn every point, but CSUB eventually fell 89-54 on the road to the Zags.

"Gonzaga is really good offensively," said Rod Barnes, Head Coach of the `Runners. "I thought we had some early opportunities that we didn't take advantage of. I hope that our guys learn that you have to come ready to play. This is a good experience for us. We know what a Top 10 program looks like, playing at their home."

CSUB caught Gonzaga off guard in the opening minutes as Rickey Holden's stepback three-pointer over the outstretched hand of Rui Hachimura gave the `Runners a 6-2 lead. Behind a sold-out crowd's energy, Gonzaga responded back with an 11-0 run to regain the lead nine minutes into the first half.

Behind the catalyst of a 16-2 run down the stretch, Gonzaga took a 43-24 lead into the locker room. A total of 11 turnovers by CSUB led to Bakersfield's struggle to find an offensive rhythm. Despite the troubles, the `Runners were able to limit one of the nation's most potent offenses, which averages 57 points per half, well below its average in the opening period.

Sophomore guard Jarkel Joiner helped CSUB get its offense rolling in the final minutes of the first half. The native of Oxford, Miss. hit a few shots down the stretch to post a team-high 10 points (5-of-9 FG) in the opening 20 minutes. Battling some of the nation's best big men, redshirt senior James Suber did well in the paint with four points and four rebounds.

Gonzaga opened the second half on a 7-0 run, but CSUB responded with an 8-2 run of its own. Joiner's sizzling first half leaked into the second half as the sophomore scored seven of Bakersfield's first 11 points in the period.

The Bulldogs continued to hold the `Runners off while building their lead to as many as 28 points early on in the second period. Bakersfield drew within 24 points, trailing their No. 7-ranked hosts 43-67 at the 10-minute mark, but was never able to close the gap. With just under six minutes remaining, Gonzaga took a 78-45 lead and went on to earn an 89-54 victory over the `Runners on its home court.

Joiner wrapped up the contest with a game-high 24 points, matching his career-high set in Bakersfield's last game at Portland State. The sophomore was 10-for-18 from the field while adding two rebounds, two assists, and a steal against top-ranked opponents. Suber, a native of Philadelphia, recorded six points and seven rebounds on New Year's Eve.

"Jarkel was really good," Barnes said of Bakersfield's leading scorer. "He's hard to guard. We just tried to get the ball into his hands and give him the opportunity to score. We have to get some guys around him to step up as well. We did some good things tonight and we'll learn from this loss. We've got a quick turnaround and will be ready for conference play on Thursday."

The `Runners (8-5) have closed out 2018 and the regular season and will now return to Bakersfield to prepare for their Western Athletic Conference opener next week. CSUB will host Seattle U on Thursday, Jan. 3, before welcoming Utah Valley to the Icardo Center on Saturday, Jan. 5.
 
~GoRunners.com~
Print Friendly Version
California State University at Bakersfield Athletics loading logo