`Runners Continue CIT Run at Southern Utah

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The second round of the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) will feature an unfamiliar foe for the CSU Bakersfield men's basketball team. The Roadrunners are preparing to face off in another road matchup, this time, against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds in Cedar City, Utah on Mar. 25.

Unlike CSUB's first-round opponent, Cal State Fullerton, Bakersfield does not have a rich history with Southern Utah. The `Runners and Thunderbirds have met just four times in the all-time series and never during the Rod Barnes era. CSUB took the first two matchups all the way back in 1979 and 1980, while SUU swept a home and home series during the 2010-11 season.

Southern Utah (17-16) hosted Drake in the first round of the CIT on Friday night and earned an 80-73 overtime victory to advance to Round 2. Harrison Butler's double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds helped the Thunderbirds edge the Bulldogs.

On the season, guard/forward Cameron Oluyitan paces the SUU offense with 13.1 points per game. Butler chips in an average of 10.3 points and 6.6 rebounds a contest. SUU boasts victories over four teams CSUB has also defeated this year: Seattle U, Idaho, San José State, and Portland State. The `Runners and Thunderbirds both took losses against Central Michigan and Southern California during non-conference play.

The `Runners are coming off a road victory in the first round of the CIT. CSUB defeated future Big West Conference foe Cal State Fullerton, 66-58, thanks to a huge first-half effort and hitting free throws down the stretch.

Pending a victory on Monday for the `Runners, Bakersfield would be set for a quarterfinal matchup on Thursday, Mar. 28. CSUB's next opponent, location, and game time is still to be determined. For the most up-to-date information on CSUB's journey through the CIT, visit the `Runners' Tournament Central page.

~GoRunners.com~

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