BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Last week was an unofficial look at how deep into the CSU Bakersfield women's basketball roster Head Coach Greg McCall could go. This week the Roadrunners will face a similar less talented team, but the result will count.
CSUB tips off its 2021-22 season officially on College Basketball Opening Day, Tuesday, Nov. 9, welcoming National Christian College Athletic Association member Bethesda University to the Icardo Center for a 7 p.m. start.
In the last three seasons, CSUB has claimed its season opener (Wright State 2018-19, Dominguez Hills 2019-20, and California 2020-21). Tuesday will mark just the second time opening against a non-Division I opponent in the last five seasons under McCall.
The Flames are 0-7 early on against other NCCAA and NCAA non-Division I schools. Bakersfield and Big West Conference rival UC Santa Barbara (Dec. 12) are the only DI opponents listed on BU's non-conference schedule.
The Roadrunners are 0-0 against Bethesda all-time.
If the team's performance against Cal State Dominguez Hills is any indicator of what to expect in the opener on Tuesday, CSUB's offensive depth and well-schooled defensive principles should be on full display again.
Redshirt junior Jayden Eggleston and sophomore Lexus Green return as first and second-leading scorers. The duo shared the title of game leader against CSDH last Friday, scoring 18 apiece. Sixth-year senior Andie Easley added 11 points, 7 rebounds, and a game-best 6 assists in the unofficial win.
Another four players had seven or more points and three or more rebounds in the exhibition. Freshman Tatyanna Clayburne and fifth-year senior Vanessa Austin each had seven points and five rebounds while junior Miracle Saxon and freshman Sage Bridges-Bey both scored 9 and combined for 7 on the glass.
Fans interested in seeing the `Runners play in person should visit GoRunners.com/tickets for information on season and single-game tickets. In compliance with health and safety standards, all spectators are required to wear face masks while inside the Icardo Center.
Concessions will be available outside on the Hall Family Plaza. Food consumption is not permitted inside of the Icardo Center.
~GoRunners.com~
