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David Dennis / All-Star Sports Photography

Women's Basketball Written by James Tsitakis-Cecil

`Runners Travel to UCSB for First of 3 Games in 6 Days

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Coming off three straight conference losses, the Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball team will certainly be looking to get back on track with three upcoming games in a six-day period. First on the docket are the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, who currently have a 8-4 record in the all-time series against the Roadrunners, but just a 4-3 record during the McCall era. Wednesday is a chance to not only get back to winning ways but also even the score against UCSB during Greg McCall's tenure.
 
Upcoming Schedule
  • at UC Santa Barbara, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 7 p.m.
  • at UC San Diego, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2 p.m.
  • vs Cal State Fullerton, Monday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m.
Quotes from Head Coach Greg McCall
  • "Our third quarter [against UC Davis] hurt us badly, and it put us in a hole. We can't come out and play inconsistent basketball . . . You can hold the opposing team, but you still have to also put the ball in the basket."
  • "We constantly see, everyday in practice, how Kayla Morris keeps getting better and better. We've watched over time as she gets healthier and in better shape, used to Division I basketball, so this is a breakout moment for her. Now, we can push her just a little bit more and add the pieces and players around her."
  • "One of the things we still need to find is our rhythm. It's still early into conference play, so we can't start feeling like it's all already written . . . It's a matter of us continuing to practice, figure out a consistent lineup rotation, and being able to trust that everyone can knock down open shots."
`Runner Notes
  • In spite of the recent results, and in particular the Jan. 7 game itself, Kayla Morris has been enjoying a wonderful start to conference competition. Through four Big West games, without having started any of them and averaging just 15.9 minutes-per-game, Morris has led the team in shooting percentage from the field, three-point percentage, and blocks, while still being top-3 for average points.
  • The last game against UC Davis was an unfortunate affair that saw the `Runners lose after being up five points at halftime with what seemed like the momentum swung their way. Morris still managed a career game, with a double-double and career-highs of 22 points, 10 rebounds, 6-of-9 scored from the field and 3-of-3 from the perimeter, 7-of-9 free throws converted, and 5 blocks.
  • In order to avoid getting too far behind early in the conference slate of games, Head Coach Greg McCall will most definitely be looking towards leading scorers Sophia Tougas, Hennie van Schaik, Grace Hunter, and Taylor Caldwell to guide the offense towards putting up more points and taking control of games to get back on the right path before it's too late.
  • CSUB will play UC Santa Barbara next, but the `Runners will then play host to the Gauchos just ten days later.
Scouting the Gauchos
  • UC Santa Barbara (9-4, 2-1 BW) is led by 8th-year head coach Bonnie Henrickson.
  • In their most recent game, a rivalry matchup against Cal Poly, the Gauchos narrowly fended off an attempted Cal Poly comeback to protect home court and win 65-59.
  • UCSB's leader was junior guard Anya Choice, a player who has recently provided more offense to an already good Gaucho team. She has notched career-high point totals in the last two games, with 15 and 17 points respectively.
  • UC Santa Barbara currently has three players averaging at least 11.0 points-per-game, and the team as a whole has only scored less that 60 points twice this entire season.
  • With just a narrow 3-4 record to the Gauchos during McCall's stay at CSUB, the `Runners will be looking to use their experience against UCSB to get back to winning ways and move forward from the recent losses.
How to Follow the `Runners
  • All Big West conference games are available on ESPN+.
  • Links for video, live stats, and tickets are available at GoRunners.com/Live.
  • Live updates will be shared during games on Twitter @CSUB_WBB.
~GoRunners.com~
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Players Mentioned

Kayla Morris

#15 Kayla Morris

F
6' 2"
Redshirt Freshman
Sophia Tougas

#5 Sophia Tougas

G
6' 0"
Redshirt Freshman
Hennie van Schaik

#3 Hennie van Schaik

F
6' 3"
Sophomore
Grace Hunter

#4 Grace Hunter

G
5' 10"
Junior
Taylor Caldwell

#11 Taylor Caldwell

G
5' 9"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Kayla Morris

#15 Kayla Morris

6' 2"
Redshirt Freshman
F
Sophia Tougas

#5 Sophia Tougas

6' 0"
Redshirt Freshman
G
Hennie van Schaik

#3 Hennie van Schaik

6' 3"
Sophomore
F
Grace Hunter

#4 Grace Hunter

5' 10"
Junior
G
Taylor Caldwell

#11 Taylor Caldwell

5' 9"
Senior
G
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