Big West

Matadors Drop Opener at CSU Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—CSUN Men's Basketball (8-10, 4-7 Big West) could not overcome a rough first half as the Matadors dropped their series opener at CSU Bakersfield, 84-58, on Friday night at the Icardo Center. TJ Starks scored a game-high 27 points on 12-of-20 shooting while Alex Merkviladze added eight points and six rebounds. The Matadors trimmed a 28-point deficit to 12 points near the midway point of the second half but the Roadrunners pulled away down the stretch to take game one.