`Runners Host UCSC Tuesday, Potential Sellout Saturday

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – CSU Bakersfield's men's basketball team is preparing to host UC Santa Cruz on Tuesday night in a non-conference matchup while a potential sellout is just around the corner. After the Roadrunners (14-6, 6-1 WAC) take on the Banana Slugs tomorrow night, CSUB will host Grand Canyon (13-7, 6-1 WAC) in a clash of the Western Athletic Conference's top two teams on Saturday, Feb. 2.

Before the `Runners can worry about a battle for first place, CSUB will set its focus on Tuesday to defend its perfect, 8-0 record in the Icardo Center. A member of NCAA Division III, UC Santa Cruz will come to Bakersfield on a six-game win streak, looking to roll that momentum into spoiling CSUB's plans. Tuesday night's game will feature festivities for President's Spirit Night as well as Faith and Family Night.

Over the span of their hot stretch, the Banana Slugs have averaged almost 88 points per game while picking up three road wins in the bunch. UCSC looks to Sam Gabbard to lead the way as the guard averages an impressive 22 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists per contest.

CSUB and UC Santa Cruz have met twice in the all-time series. The `Runners earned victories in each of the first two matchups and will be looking to go up 3-0 on Tuesday. The last time the two teams clashed was during the 2000-01 season when Bakersfield earned a 77-53 win on its home court.

The `Runners return to the Icardo Center and the blue Kern Schools Court this week after a successful road trip to Riverside, Calif. last Saturday. Bakersfield outslugged the WAC's top scoring team in California Baptist behind Jarkel Joiner's record-setting 34 points. For his effort, the sophomore guard earned WAC Men's Basketball Player of the Week honors on Monday.

Tipoff for Tuesday's contest is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Icardo Center. A special offer for CSUB students will be available courtesy of The Blvd! as they will receive a $10 arcade card along with the already-free student admission. Fans who are unable to attend the game can follow along live via WatchESPN, CSUB's radio broadcast, or live stats. Links for all three options are available on the CSUB schedule page.

With both contests this week expected to boast huge crowds in the Icardo Center, fans are encouraged to call 661-654-BLUE to purchase tickets ahead of time in order to avoid pregame waiting lines at the box office. Saturday's first-place matchup with Grand Canyon is already on the verge of a sellout, so purchasing tickets ahead of time is the only way to guarantee admission. Interested attendees can find out more about tickets to `Runner games online at this site.

~GoRunners.com~

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Players Mentioned

#0 Jarkel Joiner: G; 6' 1"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#0 Jarkel Joiner
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: G

Players Mentioned

#0 Jarkel Joiner

Players Mentioned

#0 Jarkel Joiner