BAKERSFIELD, CA – The Cal State Fullerton Titans (14-14, 9-7 Big West) travel to Bakersfield on , to face the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners (8-19, 2-13 Big West) at the Icardo Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Fullerton enters the contest as a 5.5-point favorite.
Titans Riding Momentum, Roadrunners Struggling
CSU Fullerton is coming off a narrow 93-92 victory against the UC Davis Aggies, a game where Landon Seaman exploded for 26 points. The Titans have won six of their last eight games, demonstrating a late-season surge. Their overall record of 14-14 reflects a team that has found its stride after a somewhat inconsistent start. They are 9-7 in Big West play, indicating a competitive presence within the conference.
Conversely, Cal State Bakersfield is mired in a 10-game losing streak and has struggled mightily in Big West competition, posting a 2-13 record. The Roadrunners are 6-8 at home, suggesting some level of comfort within the Icardo Center, but their recent form is a significant concern. They are averaging just 69.5 points during their losing streak, while allowing opponents to score 86.3 points per game.
Key Players to Watch
For CSU Fullerton, Joshua Ward leads the team in scoring, averaging 14.4 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Landon Seaman has also been a crucial contributor, averaging 11.4 points over the last ten games, and his 26-point performance against UC Davis highlights his scoring potential. The Titans’ offensive attack is balanced, with several players capable of contributing.
Cal State Bakersfield will look to Dailin Smith to provide a spark. Smith is averaging 16 points per game and is the Roadrunners’ leading scorer. CJ Hardy adds 13.1 points and 4.1 rebounds, providing a secondary scoring option. Pierre Geneste Jr. Is a key presence on the boards, averaging 2.6 offensive rebounds per game, making him a vital component of the Roadrunners’ rebounding efforts, where they rank second in the Big West with 10.0 offensive rebounds per game.
Statistical Matchups and Trends
The statistical battle suggests a potential advantage for CSU Fullerton. The Titans shoot 45.6% from the field, slightly better than the 45.7% opponents of Cal State Bakersfield typically achieve. However, the Roadrunners allow opponents to shoot just 34.9% from beyond the arc, a defensive strength that could potentially limit Fullerton’s outside shooting. Fullerton, meanwhile, allows 46.5% shooting from the field, a figure Cal State Bakersfield will aim to exploit.
CSU Fullerton has demonstrated resilience in close games, holding a 1-1 record in games decided by three points or fewer. This suggests a team capable of performing under pressure. Cal State Bakersfield, however, has struggled in tight contests, contributing to their current losing streak.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head History
The Titans have been relatively consistent in their recent games, averaging 77.8 points while shooting 44.6% from the field over their last ten contests. They’ve also been solid defensively, allowing 77 points per game. The Roadrunners, in contrast, have been struggling on both ends of the court, averaging just 69.5 points while allowing 86.3 points.
CSU Fullerton won the previous matchup between these two teams on , defeating Cal State Bakersfield 82-66. Landon Seaman led the Titans with 18 points in that contest. This prior victory will undoubtedly give Fullerton confidence heading into Saturday’s game.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Both Teams
For CSU Fullerton, a win against Cal State Bakersfield would further solidify their position in the Big West standings and build momentum heading into the conference tournament. They are looking to improve their overall record and secure a favorable seed.
Cal State Bakersfield, facing a challenging losing streak, desperately needs a win to boost morale and avoid finishing the season with a prolonged slump. While a conference tournament berth may be out of reach, a victory against Fullerton would provide a much-needed positive result and potentially lay the groundwork for improvement next season. The Roadrunners will need a strong performance from Smith and a collective effort to overcome their recent struggles.
Dimers.com’s predictive model gives CSU Fullerton a 66% chance of winning, while Cal State Bakersfield is given a 34% chance. The spread is set at -5.5 for Fullerton, and the over/under is 161.5.
