INSTA-RECAP: Men's Basketball Beats Cal State Bakersfield, 86-73

Ten different players earn significant playing time in the opening win

Cal’s starters were Jovan Blacksher Jr, Andrej Stojakovic, Joshua Ola-Joseph, DeJuan Campbell, and Mady Sissoko. Cal had 10 different players on the court within the game’s first 8 minutes. The Bears jumped out to an early 8-5 lead, and consistently extended it throughout the first half lead 46-28 at halftime. For the first 100 minutes of player time, Cal had 9 different players with at least 7 minutes. Andrej Stojakovic and Jovan Blacksher led the team with 15 minutes of playing time. They would pace the scoring for the Bears with 13 points for Blacksher and 10 for Stojakovic at halftime.

Early in the second half, Bakersfield started chipping away at the lead and was able to get it to 11 points with around 13 minutes to go. The Bears were sloppy with the ball, committing 6 turnovers during this stretch. Cal kept their composure, and maintained a double digit lead. Bakersfield employed a full court press on defense around the 10-minute mark. The pressure forced Cal into a couple turnovers, but Bakersfield could not take full advantage. Bakersfield was able to cut the lead to 8 with just over a minute remaining. After Mady Sissoko made 1-of-2 free throws, Bakersfield made their next basket to cut the lead to 7. Christian Tucker, Andrej Stojakovic, Jovan Blacksher Jr. and DeJuan Campbell each added 2 free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

After the game, Coach Madsen said, “Bakersfield did a good job of changing the tempo late in the game. We’ve got to get better at adjustments.” They’ll have a chance on Thursday, when the Bears host the Cal-Poly Mustangs at 7pm at Haas.