A balanced scoring attack helped the Long Beach State men’s basketball team win its third straight contest and remain perfect in Big West Conference play.
The ‘Niners [10-6, 3-0 Big West] defeated Cal State Northridge [4-9, 1-2 Big West], 81-68, Saturday night at the Matadome.
After leading 39-31 at the half, the Beach scored seven straight to open the second frame. The run gave the squad a fifteen point lead which would remain in double digits the rest of the way.
The victory was the fifth in a row for LBSU over the Matadors and the Beach used solid ball movement, including 19 assists to get the job done.
The 19 assists served as the second most prolific performance of the season in that category. The Beach only compiled more at the University of Pittsburgh on November 16 when it compiled 24.
LBSU head coach Dan Monson was happy with the ball movement, but unsatisfied with the team’s performance on the defensive end.
“I felt we were not as sharp defensively as we were Thursday [55-50 victory against Cal Poly].” Monson said. “Offensively they shared the ball and rebounded fine. You will always take road wins.”
Senior guard Larry Anderson led the way, coming-up just short of a double-double, compiling a game-high 20 points to go along with nine rebounds and five assists.
“It is good for our flow,” Anderson said. “When we share the ball it is hard for people to stop us. There are so many weapons we have on our team.
With just over four minutes to play, Anderson provided the dagger with a layup and then a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession, which gave LBSU a 72-54 advantage.
Four of the five Long Beach starters scored in double figures as senior forward T.J. Robinson tallied 18 points and eight boards.
senior guard Casper Ware and junior wing James Ennis added 12 points apiece from the backcourt. Ennis threw down a thunderous break-away dunk and another on a lob from Anderson to spark the ‘Niners in the early going. He went on to add eight rebounds and four assists.
Ware knocked down three shots from behind the 3-point arc in the first half, including one which found the bottom of the net as he was hitting the deck after being fouled. Ware went on to convert the free throw and four-point play.
As for that fifth starter, Eugene Phelps did not need to score much in order to contribute to the win. The senior forward came through with a monstrous night on the boards, pulling down a game-high 14 rebounds to go with seven points, two steals and an assist.
The Matadors were led in scoring by freshman guard Josh Greene who contributed 15. Freshman forward Stephan Hicks added 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
The ‘Niners received valuable minutes off the bench from freshman guard Mike Caffey, who scored six points while matching Anderson’s team-high five assists.
LBSU returns to action Thursday as it hosts UC Davis in a Big West contest at 7:05 p.m.
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