CSUB to Open 2021-22 Season at UCLA

The `Runners will return to Pauley Pavilion for the first time since 2017.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The start of the 2021-22 basketball season is just around the corner and the CSU Bakersfield men's basketball team is hard at work preparing for another challenging slate. Heading into his second decade as Head Coach of the Roadrunners, Rod Barnes has announced that CSUB will kick off the season with a tough road test against UCLA on Tuesday, Nov. 9.

There are not many more formidable opponents to schedule for the season opener as the Bruins are coming off an outstanding 2020-21 season. UCLA went 22-10 on the year and put together a magical run to the Final Four. Only a buzzer-beating shot by No. 1 Gonzaga in overtime prevented the Bruins from returning to the National Championship game.

"Our team is really excited to be back on the court and preparing for another season," said Barnes, who is in his 11th year at the helm at CSUB. "Our schedule is designed to test us and to challenge us for another year in the Big West. Starting the year off at UCLA will set the tone for what we believe will be a special season."

Bakersfield closed out the 2020-21 season with a 15-11 record after exceeding expectations for the team's first year in the Big West Conference. Many did not anticipate the `Runners being contenders in the league, but CSUB's determination and fortitude helped Barnes' squad prove itself as worthy of one of the top seeds in the 2021 Big West Championship. Heading into 2021-22, the `Runners are prepared to make another run at winning a conference championship.

After Friday's announcement of CSUB's season opener, `Runner fans can eagerly expect the release of Bakersfield's Big West slate to be shared in the near future. While fans cheered on CSUB from their couches via ESPN broadcasts last season, the `Runners are elated to have a Rowdy crowd back in the Icardo Center for the 2021-22 season.

Season tickets for CSUB's home contests are already on sale and moving fast, so fans should rush to make sure they have a seat in the Icardo Center. For more information on making a deposit for season tickets, visit GoRunners.com/tickets or call 661-654-BLUE today.

~GoRunners.com~

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