Reporter
With a packed crowd in attendance for Senior Night, the CSU Bakersfield students were roaring in excitement for the Homecoming night.
The Icardo Center was filled with excitement as the Roadrunners looked for the win against the California Baptist University Lancers.
CSUB Seniors Damiyne Durham, Ricky Holden, and Bray Barnes were walked out to center court with their families before the game and received standing ovations for their dedication in their four year careers playing for the university’s men’s basketball team.
Cal Baptist got off to a quick 10-3 lead early in the first half, until CSUB Guard Jarkel Joiner hit two back-to-back three point shots, getting the crowd going and gaining momentum. This brought the Lancers lead to just 13-9.
Strong and physical play down low in the paint from both teams was keeping the game close until about the six-minute mark when Cal Baptist went on a strong 8-0 run, increasing the lead to 33-15.
The Lancers were able to control the game with their offensive rebounding. This gave them the extra possessions necessary to help control the tempo of the game and create second chance points. The Lancers had an 11 point lead over the Roadrunners with the score being 44-33 at the end of the first half.
Durham started off the second half with a good jump shot to gain momentum for CSUB bringing the lead down to 9 points.
But with Cal Baptist hot shooting, the Roadrunners were never able to catch up and take the lead, leading to the Lancers taking the win 72-58.
“They made us play there style of basketball the game was played at their tempo.” Coach Rod Barnes said. “They got hot and made good shots. When a team scores 44 in one period it’s going to be hard to win that game.”
In the postgame interview senior forward James Suber said “they came out and got a lead early this is that time of year when the dogs come out and they wanted to beat us more since we beat them last game at there house.”
Coach Barnes made some comments about the seniors playing on Senior night.
He spoke about affects the night had on his players and how it felt to see his son playing his last home game. Barnes said that he could not be more proud of his son and how he is just thankful for the season.
“[I am] honored to be coaching the young men that dedicated themselves to the program,” said Barnes.
Coach Barnes also mentioned that he still believes the Roadrunners are in a place where they can beat anyone and feels confident in playing in the WAC tournament in Las Vegas.
The CSUB Roadrunners have now lost back to back games and are looking to bounce back against Grand Canyon on Saturday, March 2in Phoenix, Arizona with only three games remaining before the WAC tournament in Las Vegas starting March 14.
