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California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

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Cofield
Vanessa Perez
91
Winner CSU Bakersfield CSUB 3-0,0-0 Big West
83
Western Ill. WIU 1-3,0-0 OVC
Winner
CSU Bakersfield CSUB
3-0,0-0 Big West
91
Final
83
Western Ill. WIU
1-3,0-0 OVC
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
CSU Bakersfield CSUB 32 59 91
Western Ill. WIU 38 45 83

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

`Runners Extend Historic Start with Comeback Victory

MACOMB, Ill. – The Cal State Bakersfield men's basketball team continued its historic start to the 2026-27 season, rallying past Western Illinois for a 91-83 road victory at Western Hall. The `Runners overcame a six-point halftime deficit to improve to 3-0, extending their streak of 90-point performances to three consecutive games for the first time in 30 years.
 
Key Facts
  • Kjay Bradley led the `Runners with 25 points and seven assists, shooting 7-of-12 from the field and 11-of-12 at the free throw line.
  • Bryce Cofield added 19 points, four rebounds and a game-high three blocks.
  • Tom Koppens contributed 13 points and seven rebounds, while Jaden Alexander finished with 12 points. Chudi Dioramma scored 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting.
  • Bakersfield scored 54 points in the paint and converted 30-of-38 free throws.
 
First Half
Western Illinois came out firing from beyond the arc, knocking down seven three-pointers in the opening 20 minutes. The Leathernecks built an early advantage and led by as many as 10 points, taking a 38-28 lead with two minutes remaining in the half.

The `Runners closed the gap before the break, getting a pair of free throws from Petar Ivancic and a late layup from Bradley to trim the deficit to 38-32 at halftime. Bradley led Bakersfield with 11 first-half points as CSUB looked to make up ground after the break.
 
Second Half
Western Illinois opened the second half with another three-pointer to extend its lead to nine, but the `Runners steadily worked their way back into the game. After the Leathernecks pushed their advantage to 57-48, Bakersfield responded with a decisive stretch, scoring 13 of the next 15 points to tie the game at 61.

Cofield helped fuel the turnaround, scoring through the paint and converting four consecutive free throws to bring the `Runners even. Consecutive trips to the line from Cofield and Koppens then gave Bakersfield a 65-61 advantage.

The teams traded baskets down the stretch, with Western Illinois cutting the margin to 77-75 with just over four minutes remaining. Alexander answered with a layup and a dunk on consecutive possessions, extending the lead to 81-75. Bradley and Koppens added key baskets and free throws in the closing minutes to help the `Runners secure the 91-83 victory.

Bradley finished with 25 points and seven assists, while Cofield added 19 points and three blocks. Koppens recorded 13 points and seven rebounds, and Alexander chipped in 12 points. Western Illinois was led by Danny Stephens with 21 points and Makai Kvamme with 16.

CSUB held a 54-30 advantage in points in the paint and committed just eight turnovers compared to 12 by the Leathernecks.
 
What's Next?
The `Runners head to North Dakota for their next contest:
  • CSUB at North Dakota State
    • Sunday, Nov. 15 | 11 a.m. (PT)
    • Fargo, N.D. / Scheels Center
  • Fans can purchase tickets for CSUB home events online at GoRunners.com/TicketsGoRunners.com/Tickets
    • Skip the line, buy online!
 
 
~GoRunners.com~
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