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California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

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Kaseem_Watson_CB_2
Carter Bennett/Utah Athletics
54
CSU Bakersfield CSUB 3-3,0-0 Big West
62
Winner Alcorn Alcorn 3-3,0-0 SWAC
CSU Bakersfield CSUB
3-3,0-0 Big West
54
Final
62
Alcorn Alcorn
3-3,0-0 SWAC
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
CSU Bakersfield CSUB 28 26 54
Alcorn Alcorn 31 31 62

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Written by James Tsitakis-Cecil

Freshman Watson Shines in Hard-Fought Loss to Alcorn State

EL PASO, Texas – Following the overtime classic in the loss to UTEP last time out, Cal State Bakersfield got a break for the Thanksgiving holiday before their final matchup of the Jim Forbes Classic tournament against Alcorn State. The `Runners had quite possibly their most impressive start so far this year, with a 13-2 run in just over two minutes of game time. However, turnovers through both halves gave Alcorn State the opportunity to take advantage, and despite CSUB giving their all to get back into the game, the Braves prevailed 62-54 to wrap up the tournament.

Notables
  • Bakersfield was able to start hot, putting the Braves on their heels with a massive run in the first few minutes of the game. However, key turnovers in the CSUB offensive zone led to a Alcorn State comeback that saw the Braves lead the `Runners 31-28 going into the second half.
  • After gaining their first lead at the end of the half, Alcorn State's run was slowed at times by CSUB but never stopped. Despite a valiant effort by the `Runners in the final moments of the game, the Braves were able to do enough to hold off Bakersfield.
  • In three games at the Jim Forbes Tournament, CSU Bakersfield put forth great work and many memorable moments despite going 1-2 in this road trip. The `Runners against Alcorn State were a snapshot of what they have done during the tournament as a whole. The offense was balanced across the board with different players shining in each game.
  • Marvin McGhee III and Cameron Smith led the `Runners in points, but Kaseem Watson stepped up and began to show what his game is all about. In what was a high for his young career, Watson was a big reason why Bakersfield was still within striking distance for most of the game.
Next on the Schedule First Half
  • A 13-4 point run within the first three minutes of the game helped the Roadrunners get off to a rip-roaring start against the Braves, leading 20-12 at the midway point of the half.
  • A few turnovers from CSUB turned into fast break points for Alcorn State led to a 10-point unanswered run as the Braves quickly lessened the deficit, trailing by only two points in the final seven minutes of the half.
  • Bakersfield turnovers in the latter part of the half proved costly as Alcorn State went on a 22-8 run. CSUB was in control of the scoreboard for just over fourteen minutes of the half before the Braves took their first lead of the game.
  • At the break, CSUB were still within striking distance, with Alcorn State up over the `Runners 31-28. Defensive specialist Ivan Reynolds put out all the stops on offense, leading Bakersfield with six points while also shooting a perfect three-of-three from the field.
Second Half
  • Alcorn State came out of the half at the same pace that they ended with before, as they extended their lead over the `Runners 47-34 by the midway point.
  • The `Runners went on a small run to cut away at the Alcorn State lead, down 43-56 with less than five minutes remaining in the game.
  • Despite a solid effort from Bakersfield to regain some type of foothold in the second half, the `Runners could not recover from the turnovers and fell to Alcorn State 54-62.
  • Through it all, true freshman guard Kaseem Watson seemed to finally come into his own, putting up 9 points on 4-of-9 from the field in 19 minutes of play.
~GoRunners.com~
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