Fresno State Bulldogs vs. CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners
Mike Howells/The Collegian
Breakdown: Bulldogs
The last time the Bulldogs faced off against Cal State Bakersfield, it was the final game in Fresno State’s three-game win streak.
Fresno State handled the Roadrunners by 30 points, but the home win did not translate onto the road. Head coach Steve Cleveland and company hit had a pair of away games against Western Athletic Conference foes in Boise State and Utah State.
Fresno State dropped both contests by an average of 15 points and once again ventured onto another losing streak.
But before the Bulldogs head back into the final stretch of conference games they have a pair of out-of-conference games in an opportunity to get back on the winning track.
Today’s game at Cal State Bakersfield and Saturday’s home contest in the ESPN BraketBuster’s showdown with UC Riverside.
Leading scorer Kevin Olekaibe has struggled the last two games, scoring just 15 combined points after averaging 20.6 in the four games before the two losses.
Breakdown: Roadrunners
Dec. 22 seems like a long, long time ago for seventh-year head coach Keith Brown and his Roadrunners.
The date marks the period Cal State Bakersfield was sitting at 8-5 and riding the longest win streak of its season, albeit at just three games.
But since that date nearly eight weeks ago, the Roadrunners have lost nine of their last 10 games and now sit at 9-14. In those nine losses, Cal State Bakersfield was outscored by an average of 16.6 points per game, including a 30-point blowout in the Save Mart Center to Fresno State just nine days ago.
The loss to the Bulldogs was the Roadrunners’ most recent game, giving Brown’s team more than a week to recuperate.
Through the rough patch, the Roadrunners got a spark from guard Stephon Carter, who is averaging a team-best 15.7 points per game. Carter had 11 points on just 3-of-13 shooting against Fresno State.
If Cal State Bakersfield loses to Fresno State, the Roadrunners will seal up a losing season for the fifth straight year.
Keys to Victory
1. Points in the paint
Last time out the Roadrunners were no match for Fresno State inside. The ‘Dogs outscored the ‘Runners 48-18 in the paint, led by the front court’s combined 39 points.
2. Run the offense
The Bulldogs held a sizable advantage in the open court, scoring 14 more points than CSU Bakersfield. Point guards Steven Shepp and Tyler Johnson can control the pace.
3. Get Smith more touches
Greg Smith had one of his worst games to date in a Bulldog uniform in Saturday’s loss to Utah State. The sophomore center’s production is pivotal for Fresno State success.