On Nov. 5 CSU Bakersfield men’s basketball team finished their game against Notre Dame de Namur University 103-51, along with scoring the most points in CSUB’s Division I history on an opening night. The first regular-season game against the Argonauts was a win for the Roadrunners by a 52-point margin. 

  The game against the Argonauts was close in the beginning of the first half, with the Argonauts trailing right behind the ‘Runners. Approximately six minutes into the game, the ‘Runners brought the score to 16-13 and maintained the lead until the end, gradually building the margin. 

  “They’re not a bad team at all. I just really feel that we’re the bigger team, most athletic team. Not trying to be cocky, but I really feel like we earned that game ‘cause we worked so hard,” redshirt junior Taze Moore said about the win. 

  Moore had 5 steals, 7 two-point conversions out of 9, with a total of 18 points against NDMU. Fellow ‘Runner, redshirt junior De’Monte Buckingham had 7 rebounds, 8 assists, with 12 points overall for the night. 

  “I feel like we came out ready to play, especially on the defense end. Coach put that in our heads a lot, ‘Defense, defense, defense,’” said Buckingham. 

  With this mentality, the ‘Runners forced 21 turnovers and had 34 defensive rebounds along with 4 blocks and 16 steals. 

  “I feel like we came out and we did just that tonight. We just have to stick to a system like that ‘cause I feel like that will lead our team in the right direction,” said Buckingham.

  The ‘Runners finished strong on both sides of the court with 34 out of 68 point conversions while only allowing 17 out of 51 for the Argonauts. They had a 19 offensive rebounds, coupled with 34 defensive rebounds for a total of 53. The team had 22 assists and 16 steals, along with 6 turnovers. 

  After this win, men’s basketball will be facing South Dakota State on Nov. 9 for their next game at home.