Bakersfield defeats UC Davis 79-81
Thrilling Comeback: Bakersfield Beats UC Davis in Conference Showdown
In a heart-stopping, back-and-forth affair, the visiting Bakersfield squad edged out the home-standing UC Davis 81-79 on Sunday night at the University Credit Union Center.
The game was a true thriller, with UC Davis taking an early lead and holding a slim advantage at halftime. However, Bakersfield's high-powered offense, led by Jaden Alexander's 35 points, would not be silenced. The visitors stormed back in the second half, outscoring UC Davis by eight points to take control.
Alexander was nearly unstoppable on the evening, sinking four of six three-point attempts and converting at an impressive 66.7% clip from the field. His incredible performance set the tone for Bakersfield's surge, as he also notched 11 rebounds and two assists.
On the other side, UC Davis' Isaiah Chappell led the Aggies with 15 points, hitting four of seven three-point attempts and boasting a respectable 44.4% shooting percentage from the field. Nils Cooper chipped in with seven rebounds and 13 points, while Brayden Fagbemi provided eight assists and nine points.
Despite holding an early advantage at halftime, UC Davis struggled to maintain its momentum throughout the game. The Aggies' offense, which relied heavily on 3-point shooting, was neutralized by Bakersfield's stingy defense. Meanwhile, the visitors' ability to score in the paint and capitalize on fast break opportunities proved too much for the home team to overcome.
The largest lead of the evening belonged to UC Davis, as they held a nine-point advantage early in the second half. However, Bakersfield refused to back down, mounting a furious comeback that would ultimately decide the outcome.
In the end, it was Alexander's clutch performance that proved decisive, as he scored the final basket with just seconds remaining to seal the win for Bakersfield. The victory marked a significant conference upset, as the visitors handed UC Davis its first home loss of the season.
The game will be remembered for its sheer drama and unpredictability, with both teams trading blows throughout the evening. For Bakersfield, it was a much-needed confidence booster in their quest for conference supremacy. Meanwhile, for UC Davis, the loss serves as a wake-up call to regroup and refocus ahead of the next challenging stretch.
Game Stats:
UC Davis (HOME):
- Field Goals: 21/51 (41.0%)
- 2-Point FG: 11/26 (42.3%)
- 3-Point FG: 10/25 (40.0%)
Bakersfield (AWAY):
- Field Goals: 26/62 (42.0%)
- 2-Point FG: 19/41 (46.3%)
- 3-Point FG: 7/21 (33.0%)