CSUB Looks to Stay Perfect in Icardo Center

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – A 3-1 start to Western Athletic Conference play has CSU Bakersfield's men's basketball team rolling with great momentum as the Roadrunners return to Bakersfield. This week, CSUB continues its march through the WAC with home games against Kansas City on Thursday, Jan. 17, and Chicago State on Saturday, Jan. 19. The `Runners will be looking to protect their perfect, 6-0 home record on the Kern Schools Court.

"[Kansas City] is a tough team," CSUB Head Coach Rod Barnes said of Thursday's opponent. "They have got good guards. They have added guys on the front line that can get them some depth. They added size. They have got good balance, so we have got our work cut out for us."

UMKC (7-10, 2-0 WAC) will come to Bakersfield as the WAC's only undefeated team through the first two weeks of league play. The Roos took down Chicago State, 80-72, on Jan. 5 before downing California Baptist, 84-68, on Jan. 10 in a pair of home games. Guard Xavier Bishop leads Kansas City with 15.9 points and 4.3 assists per game.

In their all-time series, the `Runners and Roos have met 10 times, all since CSUB joined the WAC in 2013-14. Bakersfield owns a 7-3 advantage in the series and the `Runners have won six of the last seven meetings. Last season, the two teams split the season series with both squads winning their respective home game. In Kansas City, the Roos bested the `Runners on a late three-point dagger by Bishop, but CSUB dominated its game in Bakersfield the next month.

"When the game is over against UMKC, we have a lot of work to do," said Barnes of Saturday's matchup. "Chicago State is a very dangerous team. They have got some experience and added a couple of pieces. They have been playing really good basketball, they have just been short of wins."

Chicago State (3-14, 0-2 WAC) will face CSUB after a tough road test at Grand Canyon on Thursday. The Cougars look to Anthony Harris' team-high 15.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game to lead the way. CSU also enjoys 5.6 assists per game out of one of the league's top point guards, Rob Shaw.

Just like UMKC, CSUB and Chicago State began their rivalry in 2013-14. The `Runners have won 10 of the 12 meetings including 10-straight victories. Last season, CSUB defeated CSU on the road, 89-78, behind double-digit scoring from six `Runners. In Bakersfield, the `Runners sprinted away from Chicago State with two dominant halves, winning 91-61. Damiyne Durham scored a game-high 18 points in that contest.

Both games this week are scheduled for 7 p.m. tipoffs in the Icardo Center. On Thursday, the `Runners welcome all community college students and staff to come to the game for free with a valid ID. For fans who cannot attend, links to the WatchESPN broadcast, radio broadcast, and live stats are available on the CSUB men's basketball schedule page.

~GoRunners.com~

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Players Mentioned

#23 Damiyne Durham: G; 6' 4"; Redshirt Senior

Players Mentioned

#23 Damiyne Durham
: 6' 4"; Redshirt Senior
: G

Players Mentioned

#23 Damiyne Durham

Players Mentioned

#23 Damiyne Durham