The Long Beach State women’s basketball team’s long awaited return to the Walter Pyramid was anything but climactic as it found itself in an all too familiar position.
The 49ers — who played their last six games on the road — suffered their ninth double-digit loss of the season after a second half letdown Wednesday, 68-53, to the University of San Diego.
“It’s deflating when you’re not getting a stop and not scoring on the other end of the court,” LBSU head coach Jody Wynn said. “To win games, you have to effort combined with performance, and I think our effort was there for the most part.”
With the game tied at 34, The Beach (1-9) became its own worst enemy as it shot poorly for the first 6 minutes of the second period. In that span, LBSU failed to convert on a single shot attempt and finished a dismal 24.6 percent from the field in the game.
Making matters worse, the Toreros (6-3) stormed out to an 18-2 run sparked by a 3-pointer from Morgan Woodrow. From there, LBSU was unable chip away at the deficit as USD held on for the 15-point victory.
Senior Courtney Jacob paced The Beach with 16 points and three assists, while freshman Brandi Henton added a double-double as she registered 13 points and 11 boards.
Meanwhile, the Toreros received an all-around effort as four players scored in double figures. Emily Hatch led the way a double-double as she posted 16 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
The 49ers finished with a season-low 11 turnovers to USD’s 16, but were owned on the glass, 54-39.
LBSU returns to action Saturday as it travels to Berkeley to face California. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
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