Long Beach State Edges Cal State Bakersfield in Thriller
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 9:30 PM ET · Icardo Center
Long Beach State Beach 88, Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners 87, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Long Beach State Beach vs Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners?
Long Beach State Beach beat Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners 88-87 at Icardo Center on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Long Beach State Beach vs Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners?
Long Beach State Beach were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup at the Icardo Center, the Long Beach State Beach narrowly defeated the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners with a final score of 88-87. This game was particularly significant as both teams have struggled throughout the season, with Long Beach State finishing the regular season with a 9-21 record, while Cal State Bakersfield ended at 8-22. The matchup showcased the competitive spirit of both squads, despite their overall records.
Both teams entered the game on lengthy losing streaks, with Cal State Bakersfield having lost their last ten games, averaging 70.3 points scored and 87.9 points allowed during this stretch. Their last victory came earlier in the season, but they have struggled to find consistency, particularly at home where they held a 0-5 record in their last five games. Long Beach State mirrored this trend, also on a ten-game losing streak, averaging 71.1 points scored and 78.8 points allowed in their last ten. Their performance has similarly faltered on the road, with a 0-5 record in their last five away games.
In terms of head-to-head meetings, Long Beach State had a slight edge, winning two out of the three matchups against Cal State Bakersfield this season. Their most recent encounter prior to this game was on January 11, 2026, where Long Beach State emerged victorious with a score of 81-75. The previous two meetings saw Cal State Bakersfield winning one game in a close contest, highlighting the competitive nature of this rivalry.
Injury reports indicated no significant absences affecting either team for this matchup, allowing both squads to field their usual lineups. The game was closely monitored by betting markets, with DraftKings listing Long Beach State as 3.5-point favorites. The total points line was set at 152.5, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring game given both teams' recent scoring averages.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting matchup, with both teams looking to break their losing streaks. As the game progressed, it became clear that the outcome would be decided in the final moments. Key scoring plays included crucial free throws from Ronald Jessamy, who helped swing momentum towards Long Beach State in the closing minutes. The tension mounted as both teams exchanged leads, culminating in Gavin Sykes' layup that secured the victory for Long Beach State.
Fans watching the game witnessed a thrilling finish, with both teams demonstrating resilience and determination. The final moments were marked by strategic plays and clutch performances, showcasing the intensity typical of college basketball rivalries. Ultimately, Long Beach State's narrow victory not only provided a much-needed win but also continued the narrative of a closely matched season between these two teams.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LBSU -3.5 | 152.5 o -112 / u -108 | Long Beach State Beach -162 · Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners +136 |
Leaders
- PointsRonald Jessamy33Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners
- AssistsCJ Hardy6Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners
- ReboundsRonald Jessamy11Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners
- PointsGavin Sykes39Long Beach State Beach
- AssistsShaquil Bender4Long Beach State Beach
- ReboundsLeopold Levillain13Long Beach State Beach
Recent form
Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners
Last 10: 0-10Streak L1070.3 scored · 87.9 allowed per game0-5 at home
- L72-84at UC San Diego TritonsFeb 27
- L80-88vs Cal State Fullerton TitansFeb 22
- L65-93at UC Riverside HighlandersFeb 20
- L74-89vs Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsFeb 13
- L66-82at Cal State Fullerton TitansFeb 8
- L62-78at UC Irvine AnteatersFeb 6
- L72-80vs UC Davis AggiesJan 31
- L79-104vs Cal Poly MustangsJan 30
- L71-98at Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsJan 23
- L62-83vs UC San Diego TritonsJan 17
Long Beach State Beach
Last 10: 0-10Streak L1071.1 scored · 78.8 allowed per game0-5 away
- L92-102at Cal Poly MustangsFeb 27
- L76-78vs Cal State Northridge MatadorsFeb 22
- L58-69vs UC Irvine AnteatersFeb 20
- L54-71at UC Davis AggiesFeb 14
- L82-86vs Cal State Fullerton TitansFeb 13
- L74-77at UC San Diego TritonsFeb 6
- L82-89vs Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsJan 31
- L61-71at UC Riverside HighlandersJan 30
- L71-74vs UC Santa Barbara GauchosJan 25
- L61-71at Cal State Fullerton TitansJan 23
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Irvine | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Hawai'i | 24-9 | 1 | 14-6 |
| UC San Diego | 23-11 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Northridge | 20-14 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Fullerton | 18-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| UC Davis | 19-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 18-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Cal Poly | 14-19 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Long Beach State | 10-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| UC Riverside | 10-22 | 10 | 5-15 |
| Cal State Bakersfield | 8-24 | 13 | 2-18 |
Box score
| Stat | Long Beach State Beach | Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-54 | 27-51 |
| Field goal % | 61 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 9-16 | 3-10 |
| Three-point % | 56 | 30 |
| Free throws | 13-20 | 30-44 |
| Free throw % | 65 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 20 |
| Assists | 12 | 13 |
| Steals | 5 | 13 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 38 |
| Fouls | 27 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 26 | 26 |
| Time in front | 75 | 15 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half56-55CJ Hardy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-55Leopold Levillain makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half58-56CJ Hardy makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half60-56Petar Majstorovic makes layup (Leopold Levillain assists)
- 2nd Half60-57Dailin Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-58Dailin Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-61Tom Mark makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kadar Waller assists)
- 2nd Half63-61Cole Farrell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Rob Diaz III assists)
- 2nd Half63-62Dailin Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-63Dailin Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-64Tom Mark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-64Gavin Sykes makes layup (Rob Diaz III assists)
- 2nd Half65-65Ronald Jessamy makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-66Ronald Jessamy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-66Gavin Sykes makes layup
- 2nd Half67-68Ronald Jessamy makes 0-foot dunk (Kadar Waller assists)
- 2nd Half69-68Rob Diaz III makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half69-69Tom Mark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-70Tom Mark makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-70Rob Diaz III makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half71-72Ronald Jessamy makes layup
- 2nd Half73-72Leopold Levillain makes 1-foot dunk (Shaquil Bender assists)
- 2nd Half73-74Ronald Jessamy makes layup (CJ Hardy assists)
- 2nd Half75-74Petar Majstorovic makes layup
- 2nd Half76-74Shaquil Bender makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-74Shaquil Bender makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-76Dailin Smith makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half79-76Petar Majstorovic makes 6-foot jumper (Shaquil Bender assists)
- 2nd Half81-76Gavin Sykes makes layup (Rob Diaz III assists)
- 2nd Half81-78Ronald Jessamy makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half84-78Gavin Sykes makes 30-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half85-78Gavin Sykes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-78Gavin Sykes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-79Ronald Jessamy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-81Tom Mark makes layup (CJ Hardy assists)
- 2nd Half86-83Dailin Smith makes layup (CJ Hardy assists)
- 2nd Half86-85Tom Mark makes 2-foot dunk (Mike Price assists)
- 2nd Half86-86Ronald Jessamy makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-87Ronald Jessamy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-87Gavin Sykes makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners, below favours Long Beach State Beach.
Venue
- Icardo CenterBakersfield, CA
- Attendance517
- OfficialsLewis Garrison, Courtney Holmes, Ed Crenshaw Jr.
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond