On February 8th, ESPN+ will spotlight a pivotal Big West confrontation as the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners face off against the UC Riverside Highlanders at 7:00 PM. Both teams are striving to improve their standings, with CSUB at 9-13 (4-7) and UCR at 8-15 (3-8), marking this game as critical for their conference aspirations.
Cal State Bakersfield's journey through the Big West has been marked by highs and lows, reflecting a team in search of consistency. Offensively, the Roadrunners average 68.5 points per game, a statistic that places them towards the lower end of the national spectrum (307th). Their shooting accuracy, with a field goal percentage of 42.8 and a 3-point percentage of 28.8, emphasizes the need for more efficient scoring opportunities. The free-throw line offers a slight reprieve, where they shoot at 69.8%, but their rebounding average of 35.4 per game indicates a struggle to control the boards.
Defensively, Cal State Bakersfield presents a more formidable front, conceding 69.1 points per game which ranks them decently (105th nationally). Their defense against field goals and three-poi nt shots shows moderate success, with percentages of 43.0 and 34.4 respectively. However, their ability to secure rebounds (35.4 per game) and limit opponents' scoring opportunities can be pivotal in close contests. The Roadrunners stand 9th in the Big West, showcasing the competitive but challenging season they've endured. Team leaders like Kaleb Higgins, who leads in points (17.1 PPG), assists (3.7 APG), and steals (1.1 SPG), alongside Modestas Kancleris with 6.1 rebounds per game and Tom Mark leading in blocks, are central figures in Cal State Bakersfield's strategy. Their recent performances, including a significant win against UC Riverside and a tight overtime victory against Long Beach State, highlight their potential when the offense and defense synchronize effectively.