Skip To Main Content

California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

Next Event

Jaden_Alexander_VP_ (1)
Vanessa Perez
80
North Dakota St. NDSU 1-3,0-0 Summit League
91
Winner CSU Bakersfield CSUB 2-0,0-0 Big West
North Dakota St. NDSU
1-3,0-0 Summit League
80
Final
91
CSU Bakersfield CSUB
2-0,0-0 Big West
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
North Dakota St. NDSU 32 48 80
CSU Bakersfield CSUB 38 53 91

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Alexander's 41 Points Send `Runners Past NDSU

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Cal State Bakersfield men's basketball team made an early-season statement against North Dakota State, winning 91-80 before an energetic crowd of over 1,500 at the Icardo Center Sunday. Veteran guard Jaden Alexander scored 41 points, the second-highest single-game total in CSUB history, as the Roadrunners defeated an NDSU squad that played in the NCAA Tournament a year ago.

Key Facts
  • First-year Head Coach Todd Lee has his `Runners off to a 2-0 start through the first week of the 2026-27 season.
  • Not only do the `Runners look completely revamped on the court, Lee's local connections helped drive a large crowd to cheer on CSUB to victory.
  • Alexander's 41 points were the second-highest single-game total in CSUB history, behind only Jemel Jones' 45 (2024-25).
    • He became just the fourth `Runner in program history to score 40 or more in a game (Jones, Ronald Jessamy, Kenny Warren).
    • Alexander shot 14-of-21 from the field, including 9-of-14 from 3-point range.
  • Bryce Cofield logged his first double-double as a `Runner with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
    • The versatile athlete is averaging 9.5 points and 9.5 rebounds through the first two games of the season.
  • North Dakota State represented a tough early-season challenge for the `Runners as they swept the Summit League regular-season and tournament titles last year and earned an NCAA Tournament berth.
    • The Bison finished the 2025-26 season with a 27-8 record.
First Half

The `Runners and Bison went back and forth from the get-go, playing to eight tied scores and the lead changed hands 11 times. North Dakota State moved in front 32-31 with 3:02 left in the half, but the `Runners closed the period on a 7-0 run, capped by Alexander's layup and free throw, to take a 38-32 halftime lead.
North Dakota State knocked down eight 3-pointers in the first half and made 15 for the game, keeping pressure on the home team throughout.

Second Half

The Bison opened the second half with nine unanswered points to take a 41-38 lead. After NDSU stretched its advantage to 50-43, the `Runners answered with a 13-3 burst to move ahead 56-53. The teams tied again at 56 and 61 before a Petar Ivancic dunk and consecutive Alexander 3-pointers fueled an 8-0 run that gave Bakersfield a 69-61 cushion. Down the stretch, Bakersfield kept NDSU at arm's length, answering every spurt with a clutch bucket as the `Runners shot 70% from the field in the second half and sealed the home win.

Alexander finished with 41 points on 14-of-21 shooting, including 9-of-14 from beyond the arc. Cofield added 15 points and 10 rebounds for his first double-double as a `Runner. NDSU was led by Max Iversen with 20 points and Rob Diaz with 17. The Bison made 15 3-pointers, but CSUB held a 44-24 advantage in points in the paint, 27-4 in fast-break points, and 35-29 on the glass.

What's Next?

CSUB (2-0) gets its first regular-season taste of the road next week, including a rematch with NDSU:
  • CSUB at Western Illinois
    • Nov. 12, 4 p.m. (PT)
    • Malcomb, Ill.
  • CSUB at North Dakota State
    • Nov. 15, 11 a.m. (PT)
    • Fargo, N.D.
  • Fans can purchase tickets for CSUB home events online at GoRunners.com/Tickets
    • Skip the line, buy online!
~GoRunners.com~
Print Friendly Version
California State University at Bakersfield Athletics loading