Dear Monkey on Back...exit stage right.

I hope his feelings aren't hurt but the proverbial monkey on the back or albatross around the neck has just been shown the door. For the first time in the Division One era and for the first time in nearly three years the CSUB Men's Basketball team has won a game outside the state of California beating Utah Valley 63-58 in Orem UT.
For CSUB it was especially gratifying because it is just their second win this season on the road, the previous coming at Pepperdine back in November. Tonight it was all about defense and rebounding. The Runners didn't shoot well, just 28 percent from the floor but a commanding rebounding advantage helped CSUB control the ball and jump out to a 16 point lead in the second half.
To Utah Valley's credit they clawed back into it, pulling within three in the final minute thanks to timely shooting and officials who gave them every chance to win that game (and before you give me the 'don't blame the officials line' I will inform you Utah Valley hand selects it's officiating crews for home games). Even with that against them CSUB played defense, pulled down rebounds and hit free throws down the stretch to improve to 7-20 on the year and sweep the season series with the fellow NCAA Division I Independent.
It's back home Saturday for the guys, home for a few days before taking off for San Luis Obispo and their final road game of the season Wednesday at Cal Poly. Hopefully CSUB can sweep that season series as well.
What a trip, it feels nice to fly home with a win under your belt. The guys definitely deserve it.