CSU Bakersfield Wins WAC Men's Basketball Tournament - Mar 13, 2016

CSU Bakersfield turned the 2016 WAC Tournament title game into an instant classic, using a last-second three-pointer to knock off defending champion NM State, 57-54, on Saturday night to earn their first ever NCAA Divison I postseason bid.

CSU Bakersfield jumped out to a seven-point lead just over five minutes into the game, pushing the lead into double-digits late in the first half as the Runners took a 10-point lead into the break at 32-22. NM State used a 9-0 run in the second half to cut the lead down to just two with 14:42 left to go.

After the Runners pushed the lead back to nine points midway through the half, the Aggies again fought back to pull within three with just over five minutes left. NM State kept fighting and a free throw by Tanveer Bhullar (7'3''-C-95) with 13 seconds tied the game at 54. On the final play of the game, the Runners got the ball to Dedrick Basile (5'10''-PG-94), who nailed a three-pointer from just to the left of the top of the key to send CSU Bakersfield dancing in the NCAA Division I tournament for the first time in program history.

CSU Bakersfield was led by 18 points from Basile. Damiyne Burham added 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench and Jaylin Airington (6'4''-F-93) posted 12 points in the win.

NM State had four players finish in double-digit scoring. Bhullar posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds in 32 minutes played. Pascal Siakam (6'9''-F) and Braxton Huggins (6'5''-G) scored 11 points and Ian Baker finished with 10 points.

Courtesy of WAC

WAC Tournament Final: CSU Bakersfield - NM State 57-54
WAC Tournament Semifinals:
NM State - Missouri-Kansas City 78-64
CSU Bakersfield - Seattle U 72-47