BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bakersfield College men's basketball team started the 2025–26 season strong with an 83–76 home victory over Cerro Coso on Saturday afternoon for its home opener in the Renegade Athletic Center.

The Renegades used a balanced scoring attack and second-half surge to pull away, shooting 52.6% from the field after halftime. Sophomore Markell Brooks led BC with 14 points, while freshman Zach Garnett made a major impact off the bench, posting a near double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Forward Zykiar Henderson added 13 points, and guard Joaquin Rios chipped in 10 points, including two three-pointers. Guard Gustavo Chavez contributed from long range, hitting three triples for nine points and dishing out three assists.

Defensively, the Renegades forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 24 points, while dominating the paint with 36 points inside and 15 second-chance points.

Bakersfield (1–0) will look to build on the season-opening win as they continue its early nonconference slate next week. BC will be traveling to Barstow on Tuesday and returning home on Saturday to play Reedley with tip-off set for 3:00pm.