CSUB Continue 6-Day Stretch at UCSD Before Hosting CSUF

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – In one of the most willful efforts this season, the Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball team played the Big West's best offense, UC Santa Barbara, to the very last second before losing in heartbreaking fashion on free throws. Despite extending to a four-game losing skid, the Roadrunners will make a quick turnaround for two more games in three days, one away to UC San Diego and the other at home against Cal State Fullerton, to try and snap the downward streak they are currently on.

Upcoming Schedule

at UC San Diego, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2 p.m.
vs Cal State Fullerton, Monday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m.

`Runner Notes

The `Runners shooting defense was on point, as is the trend, keeping UC Santa Barbara under 32% from the field and under 30% beyond the three point line. However, CSUB was unable to slow the Gauchos' top scorers on the season, as Ila lane and Alexis Tucker combined for over half of their team's points.
With the highest team point total since the overtime win against Omaha on Dec. 4, Bakersfield is finding creative ways to get other scorers involved in the game with lingering injuries to key offensive contributors. Grace Hunter had a CSUB career high 22 points, including 8-of-10 free throws converted, while defensive powerhouse Kayla Morris lit a fire under the offense for the second straight game with 18 points while resetting her career high field goals made, yet again, with 8-of-15 scored.
Although CSUB had a much better game offensively and performed up to par on defense, foul trouble became a prevalent issue again, with four of five free throws during the final four seconds of the game deciding the result for the Gauchos.

Scouting the Tritons

UC San Diego (5-9, 2-2 BW) is led by 11th-year head coach Heidi VanDerveer.
A former WNBA coach, VanDerveer led the Tritons to five straight 1st place CCAA finishes from 2015-2020. She has ushered UC San Diego into its Division I era, with a combined 19-23 record over the team's first two seasons in the Big West.
CSUB has a 12-6 all-time record in the series, with their record as Big West opponents standing tied at 2-2. Bakersfield swept the Tritons during their very first year in the conference, 2019-20, but last year UC San Diego paid back the `Runners with two wins in tight games, separated by a total of 9 points combined between the matchups.
During the first loss, Hennie van Schaik had a wonderful game, notching 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals in a valiant effort despite the result.

Scouting the Titans

Cal State Fullerton (6-8, 1-4 BW) is led by 6th-year head coach Jeff Harada.
Harada helped lead Fullerton to their best season in two decades during the Titans' 2019-20 campaign, including a victory at the Big West tournament. The Titans have made four straight conference tournaments as of this season.
Cal State Fullerton is currently experiencing as tough of the beginning to its season as the `Runners are. With a 6-8 overall record, but a 1-4 record in-conference, Fullerton has been dealing with a leaky defense and middle-of-the-table offense.
With Fullerton's troubles thus far, and CSUB's series streak against the Titans with three straight wins, this game will be a good chance for the `Runners to step up and take back their own destiny in the Big West.

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

#15 Kayla Morris: F; 6' 2"; Redshirt Freshman

#3 Hennie van Schaik: F; 6' 3"; Sophomore

#4 Grace Hunter: G; 5' 10"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#15 Kayla Morris
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Freshman
: F

#3 Hennie van Schaik
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: F

#4 Grace Hunter
: 5' 10"; Junior
: G

California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

Next Event

CSUB Continue 6-Day Stretch at UCSD Before Hosting CSUF

Players Mentioned

#15 Kayla Morris

#3 Hennie van Schaik

#4 Grace Hunter

Players Mentioned

#15 Kayla Morris

#3 Hennie van Schaik

#4 Grace Hunter