Davis, Calif. — Showing up as the aggressor from the tip-off, the UC Davis Men's Basketball Team (8-7, 1-2) defeated the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners (5-10, 1-3) by a score of 67-48 to give them their first win in Big West play. After a matchup with UC Irvine that saw each team trade buckets for 40 minutes of play, the Aggies leaned on their defensive efforts to carry them over the Roadrunners Saturday night.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After almost three minutes of no scoring from either team, a Robby Beasley III three-pointer after a Roadrunner turnover, kicked things off and would be a signal of things to come for the rest of the game.
- Forcing nine turnovers in the first half, UC Davis was able to generate quality looks against the No. 2 ranked scoring defense in the Big West.
- Standing up on defense, the Aggies limited CSU Bakersfield to just 23 points in the first half on 37% from the field.
- These nine turnovers would make way for a UC Davis lead that would reach 15 points, with the Ags taking a 22-7 lead after a Kane Milling three.
- Contributing on all fronts, Milling returned to scoring form and paced UC Davis with 10 points and four rebounds entering the half. Christian Anigwe and Ty Johnson would follow right behind Milling into the half, with each recording seven points on 2-5 shooting at half.
- Milling would prove to be the focal point for the Aggie attack throughout the game as he finished with a team-high 19 points and was just one rebound shy from a double-double.
- The Ags proceeded to turn in even a stronger second half of basketball and stalled the Roadrunners offense, taking away any hopes of a comeback.
- Flying around during their rotations, five different Aggies recorded steals in the second half. Ade Adebayo and Beasley III would pace the team with three steals. The team's 10 steals is good for second most of the season.
- Anigwe, along with Milling would keep their foots on the pedal as both finished with a team-high nine points during the final 20 minutes.
- With the Roadrunners desperately missing the scoring vacated from team leader, Kaleb Higgins, the Ags were able to put the nail in the coffin and stretch the lead to 23 points during the final three minutes.
GAME NOTES
- Kane Milling led the Aggies with 19 points, nine rebounds, on 5-8 FGs. Milling's 19 points breaks his past career-high of 14 points.
- Three UC Davis members reached double figure scoring marks.
- Christian Anigwe finished the game with 16 points, and three rebounds on 5-11 FGs.
- Johnson was the final member to reach double digits after pouring in 11 points of his own.
- A quiet scoring night for the Big West's leading scorer, Elijah Pepper dished out a team high four assists.
- The Aggies out rebounded the Roadrunners 33-31.
- A 14-0 run was the largest of the game for UC Davis.
UP NEXT
- The Aggies return back to the court Wednesday, Jan. 11, as they travel to Northridge to take on CSUN. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 P.M. PT.
- Following the mid-week action, the Aggies return back to the University Credit Union Center for a date with Cal State Fullerton on Saturday, Jan. 14, with tip-off set for 2 P.M. PT.
