LONG BEACH, Calif. (Interstat) — Two Big West Conference men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners visit the Long Beach State 49ers at Walter Pyramid.

Both teams enter the January 10, 2026, contest looking to build on modest win streaks in conference play. The Roadrunners (8-9, 2-1 Big West) have won two straight, including a dramatic 67-66 home victory over UC Riverside on Thursday. The 49ers (5-11, 1-2) snapped a five-game skid with a win over Cal Poly last Saturday before falling at UC Irvine on Thursday.

The matchup features two of the league’s top offensive talents. Cal State Bakersfield is led by guard Dailin Smith, who is coming off a career-high 30-point performance in the win over UC Riverside. Smith played 35 minutes, hitting the game’s crucial baskets down the stretch. For the season, he averages a team-high 14.2 points per game.

Long Beach State will counter with dynamic guard Gavin Sykes, who has been a consistent scorer. Sykes poured in 21 points in the loss to UC Irvine and has scored 16 or more points in four of his last five outings, including a 23-point effort in a non-conference win over Pepperdine. His ability to create shots will be key for a 49ers offense averaging 74.1 points per game.

The Roadrunners have found success in close games, with their last three contests decided by a total of five points. Long Beach State has struggled defensively, allowing 78.4 points per game, which could provide an opportunity for Smith and the Bakersfield attack.

Historically, the series has been tightly contested, adding another layer to this early conference showdown. A win would give Cal State Bakersfield a winning record in Big West play, while Long Beach State aims to even its conference ledger and defend its home court.

Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. PST at the Walter Pyramid. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.