The Long Beach State women’s basketball team got a little healthier Friday, but picked up its fifth consecutive loss of the season in the opening round of the Waikiki Beach Marriott Rainbow Wahine Showdown.
Courtney Jacob provided a lift for the 49ers in her season debut after returning from injury, but poor rebounding led to a 69-48 loss to Illinois at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Jacob led the ‘Niners (0-5) with 11 points and 5 rebounds, while Brandi Henton and Tipesa Moorer chipped in with nine points apiece.
However, The Beach registered 34 rebounds to Illinois’ 53, which led to a number of second-chance points in the paint for the Fighting Illini.
Meanwhile, Illinois (3-2) was paced by the tandem of Alexis Burke and Centrese McGee, who both registered game-highs of 18 points, while Lydia McCully added nine points and 10 boards.
The Fighting Illini opened up the contest with a 12-2 lead, but The Beach quickly retaliated with a 5-0 spurt that was capped off by back-to-back free-throws from Jacob with 14:16 remaining.
From there, the lead changed hands seven times over a seven minute span.
The 49ers held their final advantage of the contest, 23-21, after Jacob nailed the first of her two 3-pointers with 7:52 left in the half. But Illinois responded with a 15-0 run that was highlighted by back-to-back buckets from McGee, one of which came from behind the arc.
Moorer eventually thwarted the barrage as she drained a 3 with 2:22 remaining, but that is as close as the ‘Niners would get as they trailed at the end of half by a score of 43-30.
The Fighting Illini continued to tally up points on LBSU as they opened up the second half with a 13-2 run, which was sparked by a spot up jump shot from McCully.
The Beach pulled to within 17 after a continuation play from Moorer with 2:52 left in the game, but Illinois easily held on for a 21-point victory.
LBSU shot a woeful 29.3 percent from the field, while Illinois finished at 37.1 percent.
The 49ers return to action Saturday as they continue the tournament against Washington State (0-5) at the Stan Sheriff Center. Tipoff is set for 2:15 (PT).
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