Preview: Cal State Bakersfield at UC Davis

DAVIS, Calif. (Interstat) — UC Davis looks to build on its strong start to Big West Conference play when it hosts Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday at The Pavilion at ARC.

The Aggies (8-5) opened conference action with an 89-80 win over Cal State Northridge on Thursday. Guard Connor Sevilla led the way with 23 points, continuing a stretch of high-level play. Over his last three games, Sevilla is averaging 18.7 points.

UC Davis has won three of its last four, with the lone loss a narrow 79-78 defeat to Seattle. The Aggies’ offense has been potent, scoring 93 and 89 points in their last two victories.

Cal State Bakersfield (6-9) aims to rebound from a tough conference-opening loss, falling 81-77 to UC Irvine on Thursday despite a standout performance from forward Ronald Jessamy. The junior recorded a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds.

Jessamy has been the Roadrunners’ most consistent threat, averaging 15.6 points over his last seven games. His 20-point, 12-rebound effort against UC Irvine highlights his ability to dominate inside. Support came from guard CJ Hardy, who added 14 points, and forward Pierre Geneste, who grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Roadrunners have struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses in their last six games. Their defense, which allowed 109 points in a loss to UC Santa Barbara earlier this month, will be tested by a UC Davis team averaging 79.2 points per game in its wins.

Historically, the series has been closely contested, adding stakes to this early conference matchup. The teams will meet again in Bakersfield on Jan. 31.

Saturday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. PST. UC Davis travels to UC Santa Barbara next Thursday, while Cal State Bakersfield hosts UC Riverside on Jan. 8.