`Runners to Open WAC Play with 2 Home Games

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The quest for another Western Athletic Conference regular season title begins this week for CSU Bakersfield's men's basketball team. The Roadrunners will open league play with a pair of games this week, welcoming Seattle U to the Icardo Center on Thursday, Jan. 3, before hosting Utah Valley on Saturday, Jan. 5.

Seattle U (12-3) will come to Bakersfield with big momentum, having just knocked off California in a road win on Dec. 29. The Redhawks have won nine of their last 10 games and are averaging 82 points per contest.

Five men score in double digits for Seattle U including a team-high 16.9 points per game out of Morgan Means. CSUB and SU will be meeting for the 21st time in the all-time series on Thursday. The `Runners have a 14-6 record against the Redhawks and CSUB has won 10 of the last 20 matchups.

Utah Valley (11-4) is just as hot as Seattle U, having won 10 of its last 11 games. The Wolverines handed Fresno State its first home loss of the season last week and will attempt to sweep the Central Valley on Saturday.

Jake Toolson (15.9) and Conner Toolson (14.2) lead UVU in scoring while TJ Washington runs the point to the tune of 4.3 assists per game. The `Runners and Wolverines are meeting for the 20th time in the two programs' histories this weekend. Bakersfield holds an 11-10 record against UVU, but the Wolverines swept all three games last season.

Thursday's game is billed as Bakersfield Built night, featuring several of Bakersfield's local businesses in one spot. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Icardo Center and ticket and food discounts are available for $6.61.

On Saturday, fans are invited to come out for Hometown Heroes night. We will be honoring Bakersfield's first responders and military as well as the late Mayor Harvey Hall. A special ticket offer for CSUB students is available with one guest admitted for free. Tipoff on Saturday is also set for 7 p.m. on the Kern Schools Court.

For both games this weekend, fans who cannot make it down to the Icardo Center have the option of watching the `Runners via WatchESPN, listening via radio, or following along with live stats. Links to all three options for both games are available on the CSUB men's basketball schedule page. As has been the case all season, follow @CSUB_MBB on Twitter (link above) for live updates from the Icardo Center.

~GoRunners.com~

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