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Big West Conference

Women's Basketball Written by James Tsitakis-Cecil

'Runners Set to Play No. 5 UCSB in Big West Semifinals

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Despite posting a six-win regular season, the Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball team has defied the odds to reach its first Big West Championship Semifinals since joining the conference just three years ago. With a determined, thrilling double-overtime victory over No. 1 UC Irvine, the Roadrunners are preparing to come up against No. 5 UC Santa Barbara.

Upcoming Schedule
  • Semifinals vs (5) UC Santa Barbara, Friday, Mar. 10, 12:00 p.m.
  • Finals vs TBD, Saturday, Mar. 11, 3:00 p.m.
Quotes from Head Coach Greg McCall
  • "The ladies playing for each other is driving this team right now, knowing it's something bigger than just the team. These wins are for the city of Bakersfield."
  • "Keys to tomorrow's game are controlling the paint and keeping the ball from going inside-out so much. On the offensive end, we need to take advantage of the scoring opportunities."
`Runner Notes
  • The Roadrunners pulled off what many thought was improbable, sending No. 1 UC Irvine packing in a double-overtime nail-biter that saw CSUB take the 61-59 victory in front of an exuberant traveling crowd of Bakersfield fans.
  • Kayla Morris scored Bakersfield's first 8 points and led the team with 7-of-12 made field goals for 18 points by the final buzzer.
  • CSUB's defense reset its single-game team blocks record with 12, including a career-high 6 blocks from Taylor Caldwell who also finished with a game-leading 19 points.
  • Garrisen Freeman dictated the pace of the offense from the point, as CSUB utilized a patient, focused game to defeat the offensive powerhouse of UC Irvine at its own game.
  • Despite being out-rebounded as a team, Hennie van Schaik ended with a career-high 14 rebounds in helping the `Runners shut down Irvine and advance to the Semifinals.
Scouting the Gauchos
  • (5) UC Santa Barbara (20-11, 12-8 BW) is led by eighth-year head coach Bonnie Hendrickson.
  • Quite possibly the closest that CSUB has played any of the top-5 teams in the conference, the `Runners only lost to the Gauchos by a combined five points this season.
  • Because Bakersfield has still yet to beat UCSB as Big West opponents, the `Runners will have extra motivation heading into this matchup after dethroning the regular season champions.
  • UCSB had three players recognized on all-conference teams: Alexis Tucker (5th-best scorer) and Ila Lane (top rebounder) on All-First Team, and Callie Cooper on the All-Defense Team.
  • After securing an automatic bid to the Big West Quarterfinals, UCSB trounced No. 4 UC Davis 70-36, putting up four double-digit scorers in the starting lineup alone.
How to Follow the `Runners
  • All Big West Basketball Championship games will be 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.
  • Tickets for the Big West Basketball Championship can be purchased by going to GoRunners.com/Tickets or calling 661-654-BLUE or 661-654-GOLD for more information.
~GoRunners.com~
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Players Mentioned

Garrisen Freeman

#32 Garrisen Freeman

G
5' 10"
Redshirt Freshman
Kayla Morris

#15 Kayla Morris

F
6' 2"
Redshirt Freshman
Hennie van Schaik

#3 Hennie van Schaik

F
6' 3"
Sophomore
Taylor Caldwell

#11 Taylor Caldwell

G
5' 9"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Garrisen Freeman

#32 Garrisen Freeman

5' 10"
Redshirt Freshman
G
Kayla Morris

#15 Kayla Morris

6' 2"
Redshirt Freshman
F
Hennie van Schaik

#3 Hennie van Schaik

6' 3"
Sophomore
F
Taylor Caldwell

#11 Taylor Caldwell

5' 9"
Senior
G
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