Long Beach State Goes Down in Overtime Against Fullerton 92-90

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The Long Beach State 49ers had their three-game win streak snapped Saturday night at Walter Pavilion as they fell short in overtime against Fullerton, 92-90.

The 49ers played their fourth consecutive game without Temidayo Yussuf, as he is still day to day fighting back from an injury. The two teams fought all night while Long Beach State could not quite get over the hump.

“When you start off conference play 2-0 all of a sudden people start hunting you instead of being the hunter,” said head coach Dan Monson. “Give Fullerton some credit because they set the tone early and gained some confidence, so it felt like an uphill battle all night and I think we just ran out of gas at the end.”

After being down ten at halftime, the 49ers cut it to one point at the 11:53 mark. Deishuan Booker scored seven straight points at one stage for the team, and lead the contest with 33 points overall. He also contributed five steals and assists, but nine turnovers as well.

The Titans went on a late-game run leading 77-69 with under three minutes left. However, back to back baskets by Mason Riggins and some free throws by Booker brought them back. After the 49ers failed to score on the final possession, the game went to overtime at 79 apiece. 

Unfortunately, Booker had three costly turnovers in overtime, all leading to transition scores, and Fullerton was able to hang on thanks to a defensive stop as time expired.

“Those were ill-advised turnovers and all my fault,” said the senior guard Booker. “They should have to work for all their buckets in overtime, so I’ll take the blame for that.”

Emotions ran high all game as the history from the Big West tournament last year still seems fresh. Fullerton won that game by two points, ending Long Beach State’s season. As made clear by some back and forth talking tonight, the 49ers certainly have not forgotten.

Guards Edon Maxhuni and Bryan Alberts contributed 11 and 13 points, respectively. Forward K.J. Byers added 12 points with two steals and two blocks.

For the Titans, guard Kyle Allman scored an efficient 30 points to lead the way. All five starters scored in double figures, outscoring the Long Beach starters 83-63.

On a positive note for the 49ers, conference play has just started and they sit only one game behind first place. With that said, they are very aware of how close the top teams are within one another.

“We weren’t going to win the league this week or lose it,” said Monson. “I really feel like we took two steps forward this week, and so the winner of this league will be whoever can improve the most from this point on.”

Long Beach State will continue conference play as they travel to play Northridge on Wednesday night hoping to bounce back.

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Joel Ruditsky

I am a huge Yankees, New York Giants and Los Angeles Lakers fan. However I have a huge passion for all three sports in general across the MLB, NFL, and NBA. I also cover the Cal State Long Beach Men's Basketball team.
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Joel Ruditsky
Joel Ruditsky
I am a huge Yankees, New York Giants and Los Angeles Lakers fan. However I have a huge passion for all three sports in general across the MLB, NFL, and NBA. I also cover the Cal State Long Beach Men's Basketball team.

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