CSU Bakersfield ends Coyote men’s five-game winning streak

The USD men’s basketball team finally found their first dose of reality since upsetting Minnesota, losing to California State University-Bakersfield Saturday night 77-67.

The first leg of a double header with the Coyote women, the Coyote men were unable to keep up with CSUB in the second half. The Coyotes looked disjointed on both sides of the ball and had trouble knocking down their free throws late in the game. Junior guard Shy McClelland shot 0-5 from the foul stripe, with two late misses in the game that could have proved a difference.

After the game McClelland said this would not be a recurring problem.

“A big thing is making free throws and I was 0-5. That’s not my character, it won’t happen again I’ll tell you that,” McClelland said.

Despite shooting just 20 percent from three point range, Bakersfield had no problem in the paint.

CSUB outscored the Coyotes 34 to 20 in the paint and were plus 16 on rebounds. CSUB senior center Aly Ahmed was a problem again for the Coyotes after having a strong showing last year against USD. Ahmed had 16 points on 11 shots and grabbed eight rebounds. Senior forward Eric Robertson led the way for the Coyotes with 17 points and shot a perfect 5-5 from the foul line.

After struggling with his shot the past few games, senior guard Casey Kasperbauer had a quietly efficient night. Kasperbauer had nine points, three rebounds and two assists. He shot 50 percent from the field and from three point range.

The Coyotes have nearly a week break before a four game road trip that begins against the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Thursday Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.