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Logan • Stew Morrill sees this as an opportunity.

Even if Utah State's season has mostly been a disappointment, the chance to play more games is there. And as a basketball coach, that's all Morrill wants.

When the Aggies host Cal State Bakersfield in the first round of the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament on Wednesday night at the Spectrum, it will be a chance for Morrill to get extra playing time for a largely youthful team.

It will be an opportunity for USU to win a few games in the postseason, after losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament for three consecutive years. And it will be a chance for seniors Brockeith Pane and Morgan Grim to add memories to an already impressive collegiate resume.

"This is what you want," Morrill said. "You want to keep playing, and keep winning. It's a delicate balance. It's a good chance for the young guys to get experience. But the seniors want to keep playing, and to keep winning."

The Roadrunners, who have become a dramatically better program in the past few years, are the kind of team that has given Utah State issues. They are athletic, they pressure the ball and they like to play in transition.

With the Aggies previously faltering against teams that play that same style (Louisiana Tech and New Mexico State) Wednesday's matchup looks to be a stern test for USU.

A concern for Utah State will be its crowd. With the USU students on spring break, the Spectrum isn't expected to be anywhere near full. But Morrill is still hoping for a decent crowd.

"Hopefully the community will come out and support this team," he said. "The guys deserve it. This is a good chance for us to go out on a positive note. We are going to have to play well. This is a good team we're going to be facing." —

Utah State vs. CSU-Bakersfield

P At the Spectrum (Logan)

When • Wednesday, 7 p.m.

TV • None

Radio • 97.5 FM

Records • Utah State 17-15, CSU Bakersfield 16-14

Series • Utah State leads 6-0

Last meeting • Utah State, 77-58 (Dec. 11, 2010)

About the Roadrunners • Former Aggie Tyrone White is a forward for the Roadrunners.

About the Aggies • USU has two players on its current roster from California. … Utah State is 47-23 in the month of March. … The Aggies are 17-7 this season when their backcourt outscores the opposing backcourt.