LAS VEGAS (AP) – Dedrick Basile’s clutch shot sent Cal State Bakersfield to its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
Basile hit a 3-pointer with two-tenths of a second remaining, lifting Cal State Bakersfield to a 57-54 victory over No. 1 seed New Mexico State in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament title game.
“It was our night, our turn, our time,” coach Rod Barnes said. “It’s been a fantastic year.”
Basile led the second-seeded Roadrunners (24-8) with 18 points, and Damiyne Durham added 15. Cal State Bakersfield had never beaten New Mexico State, losing their first 11 meetings, including twice during the regular season.
Pascal Siakam and Braxton Huggins each had 11 points for the Aggies (23-10), and Ian Baker added 10.