CSUB Heads to WAC-Leading NMSU, UTRGV

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – With a 4-2 start to Western Athletic Conference play, the CSU Bakersfield men's basketball team has kicked off the second-half of the season with solid momentum. The Roadrunners will need to channel their focus during a difficult road trip this week as CSUB is headed to take on league-leading NM State and UT Rio Grande Valley.

Rod Barnes, Head Coach of the `Runners, discussed his expectations for a challenging road trip: "I feel good about our team and our mindset in going over there. I think we're pretty healthy. It's going to be tough, but I think we're looking forward to it. Because [NM State] is picked No. 1 every year and they are undefeated, it's always a measuring stick...Any time you can go on the road and win one, it's a successful road trip...More important than anything, I want to make sure we get back healthy and we get back being better."

NM State (15-6, 6-0 WAC) is undefeated in conference play thus far, but not without overcoming some close games as three of the Aggies' last four wins have come by single-digit margins. NMSU will host CSUB in the Pan American Center where the Aggies are 7-1 this season and they have not lost more than two home games in a single season since 2011-12.

UTRGV (6-13, 2-4 WAC) endured a tough non-conference schedule, but the team is off to a slow start in WAC play. The Vaqueros have lost three-straight league games heading into the week and will host Grand Canyon before welcoming the `Runners to the UTRGV Fieldhouse. UTRGV has a trio of student-athletes that pose a real threat in Jordan Jackson, Lesley Varner II, and Javon Levi, who all have averaged more than 11 points per game in WAC games.

The `Runners earned their second overtime win of the season last Thursday, knocking off Utah Valley, 58-57. On Saturday, Seattle U came to town and handed CSUB (10-11, 4-2 WAC) just its second league defeat of the season, 86-79. Despite Bakersfield's loss, the `Runners remained tied for second place in the WAC standings with California Baptist.

CSUB and NMSU will battle in Las Cruces, N.M. on Thursday, Jan. 30 with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. (MT). The `Runners and Vaqueros will kick off February with Saturday's clash at 7 p.m. (CT). Both games will be broadcasted via the WAC Digital Network. For links to the live streams, CSUB radio broadcasts, live stats, and more, visit the CSUB men's basketball schedule page.

~GoRunners.com~

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