BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging UC San Diego men’s basketball team looks to continue its strong start to conference play when it visits a struggling Cal State Bakersfield squad at the Icardo Center on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.

The Tritons (13-4 overall) enter the Big West matchup riding a wave of momentum after a gritty 69-66 road victory at UC Riverside last Saturday. UC San Diego has won two of its last three conference games, with the only loss in that span an 88-71 defeat to Cal State Fullerton.

Cal State Bakersfield (8-10) seeks consistency after alternating wins and losses in its first four Big West contests. The Roadrunners are coming off a 75-81 loss at Long Beach State on Jan. 10.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s standout guards. UC San Diego’s Tom Beattie is coming off an 11-point, two-assist performance in the win over UC Riverside. The Tritons rely on his steady playmaking and scoring.

He will be matched against Cal State Bakersfield’s dynamic Jaden Alexander, who is capable of explosive offensive nights. Alexander poured in 29 points against Long Beach State and recorded a monumental 35-point, 11-rebound double-double in an 81-79 win at UC Davis on Jan. 3. Containing Alexander will be a primary focus for the Tritons’ defense.

Beyond the star guards, UC San Diego boasts balanced scoring. Bol Dengdit led the team with 17 points against UC Riverside, while Leo Beath added 11. The Tritons’ 13-4 record marks one of the program’s best starts since transitioning to Division I.

The Roadrunners counter with supporting contributors like Kadar Waller, who dished out eight assists in the last outing, and Tom Mark. Cal State Bakersfield will need a collective effort to protect its home court and improve its .500 conference record.

Saturday’s contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They are scheduled to meet again in La Jolla on Feb. 26.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PST at the Icardo Center.