`Runners Start 3-Game Road Trip Before WAC Tourney

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – With two weeks remaining in the regular season, CSU Bakersfield's men's basketball team is looking to build momentum heading into the Western Athletic Conference Tournament. The Roadrunners have a tall task ahead of them this Saturday, Mar. 2, with a road trip to Phoenix, Ariz. to take on Grand Canyon, which is tied for second in the WAC standings.

"We're focused on trying to play better and getting back to who we are," said Jeff Conarroe, Assistant Coach of the `Runners, during Tuesday's weekly basketball press conference. "Coach Barnes is a defensive-minded coach. Our best teams have been defensively oriented. When we look at our weaknesses, it starts with defensive effort and that has to improve."

When asked specifically about GCU's notoriously rowdy crowd and the hostile environment, Conarroe said the team is looking forward to the challenge: "We have a week to get ready, so that's going to help…[Their arena] is a great environment. Just as that could be perceived as a negative, a tough place to play, it could help a team like ours too, because there is a lot of energy and excitement going into that game."

After suffering a three-game skid which included back-to-back home losses, Grand Canyon (17-10, 9-4) will welcome CSUB to Phoenix on a three-game win streak. The Lopes took a road victory over Chicago State two weeks ago and then knocked off California Baptist at home last Saturday. This week, GCU took down Eastern New Mexico in a non-conference warmup for the `Runners come to town.

GCU looks to Carlos Johnson (13.0 points per game) and Alessandro Lever (12.9 points per game) to lead the way in scoring. The Lopes average over 76 points per game while holding their opponents below 67 points on average.

Exactly four weeks to the date of Saturday's game in Phoenix, CSUB welcomed GCU to the Icardo Center in Bakersfield, Calif. for their first matchup of the season. In a battle for first place with both teams sitting at 6-1 in WAC play, the Lopes got the best of the `Runners, taking a 72-59 victory. All-time, CSUB and GCU are meeting for the 42nd time and the `Runners own a 23-18 advantage in the series.

Tipoff for Saturday's game is scheduled for 7 p.m. (MT) in GCU Arena. `Runner fans can follow the game live on either WatchESPN or GCU.TV (YouTube), via Isaac Lowenkron's radio broadcast, or with live stats. Links to all four options are available on the CSUB men's basketball schedule page. Fans can also stay tuned to @CSUB_MBB on Twitter (link above) for live updates.

~GoRunners.com~

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