It could be argued that CSU Bakersfield played its best game of the season Monday night at Colorado State, and Roadrunners certainly made a postseason statement.

The Roadrunners blasted host Colorado State, 81-63, to advance to the National Invitational Tournament quarterfinals on Wednesday night at University of Texas, Arlington. That game will tip at 6 p.m. and can be heard live on NEWSTALK 1180/98.1 KERN. The winner of that game advances to the semifinals at New York’s Madison Square Garden next week against the winner of the Ole Miss-Georgia Tech game. That scenario could create an interesting story line with CSUB coach Road Barnes, who was an SEC player of the year and coach of the year at Ole Miss.

CSUB got double-figure scoring performances Jaylin Airington, who had a game-high 19, Dedrick Basile, Damiyne Durham and Shon Briggs. The Roadrunners were hot from outside, connecting on 11-of-29 three pointers, including four from Durham.

Playing near his hometown of Boulder, Colo., CSUB guard Brett Wrapp had a eight points, six rebounds and three assists.

CSUB raced to a 20-point first half lead on a night when the Roadrunners had one of their best shooting performances of the season. The Roadrunners took an early 10-point lead and never looked back.

UT Arlington (27-8) routed Akron, 85-69, to advance to Wednesday’s quarterfinals.