Franklin, Tapley lead No. 19 San Diego State over Bakersfield, 72-57
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Jamaal Franklin had 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Chase Tapley scored 14 points to lead No. 19 San Diego State to a 72-57 victory against Cal State Bakersfield on Wednesday night in its final tuneup before opening Mountain West Conference play.
Freshman Winston Shepard added 11 points for the Aztecs (12-2), who were playing for the first time since losing 68-67 to No. 3 Arizona in the championship game of the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu on Christmas night.
The Aztecs, who have been regular-season co-champions of the MWC the last two years and made three straight NCAA tournament appearances, visit Fresno State next Wednesday night in the conference opener.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Stephon Carter scored 21 points and Corey Hall added a career-high 14 for the Roadrunners (6-11), who lost for the fifth time in seven games.