The biggest play of the Long Beach State men’s basketball team’s 55-50 victory over Cal Poly San Luis Obispo didn’t result in any points on the scoreboard.
Freshman guard Mike Caffey’s soaring offensive rebound with 2:02 remaining in the game and the Beach up just four points, gave the ‘Niners exactly what they needed–an extra possession in a contest that was frugal in handing them out.
The ‘Niners [9-6, 2-0 Big West] next possession resulted in a 35-second shot clock violation, not a score. It did, however, bring the game clock down to 1:27, essentially securing the win.
As usual, LBSU head coach Dan Monson was not surprised by Caffey’s cool demeanor in such a pressure-packed situation.
“He [Caffey] doesn’t get phased by the moment.” He said, “I don’t think his pulse was any different then, than any other time [during the game].”
That was not the only big play made by Caffey down the stretch, either. With the ‘Niners trailing by two, 43-41 late in the second half, he nailed a deep 3-pointer to give the lead back to The Beach.
The very next possession, Caffey rebounded a Cal Poly [9-6, 0-2 Big West] miss, pushed it up the floor and found senior forward Larry Anderson for the layup, giving LBSU a 46-43 advantage.
When asked about his mindset toward the end of the game, Caffey said he was just trying to get the win.
“I was just out there trying to make the big play.” He said, “I was just trying to help us get the win.”
Senior forward T.J. Robinson said it feels like he’s been playing with Caffey for longer than just a few months.
“It feels like he’s [Caffey] been playing with us for four years.” He said, “He barely turns the ball over; he’s just a great point guard.”
Senior guard Casper Ware led the scoring charge for LBSU with a game-high 17 points on 5 of 14 shooting, including 2 of 6 from 3-point range. Ware was also 5-for-7 from the free throw line.
Robinson had yet another double-double with 13 points on 4 of 9 shooting, while pulling down a game-high 14 rebounds. Caffey had a solid all-around performance, scoring seven points on 2 of 2 shooting, including 2 of 3 from the charity stripe. Caffey also had a game-high six assists while pulling down four rebounds.
The Mustangs were able to control the pace throughout the game. LBSU head coach Dan Monson said that Cal Poly does a good job of slowing the game down.
“As soon as we fell down 9-4 there was no way that they weren’t going to dictate the tempo.” He said, “If they get up on you, it’s going to be like that all game.”
LBSU never held a lead larger than five throughout the contest, but they were able to spark a 7-0 run to take that five point advantage late in the game.
The 49ers had to secure the win at the free throw line, a place they haven’t been too fond of so far this season, and especially throughout this game–LBSU finished 16 of 26 at the free throw line as a team. Ware and Robinson each connected on two free throws to seal the five-point victory.
Cal Poly opened the first half on a 13-4 run after another slow start from LBSU. The Beach helped the Mustangs cause by turning the ball over on six of their first nine possessions. Those mistakes led to the Mustangs first five points.
A 7-0 run from LBSU cut the Mustangs lead to one, 15-14. The ‘Niners upped the defensive pressure and took their first lead of the half, 16-15 at the 6:35 mark after back-to-back buckets from Ware and Phelps.
The Beach held just a two-point lead, 25-23 at the break, before picking up the slack in the second period.
Senior forward Will Taylor led the way for Cal Poly, scoring 16 points on 7 of 10 shooting while pulling down eight boards.
LBSU will roll into The Matadome on Saturday to take on Cal State Northridge. Tip is set for 7 p.m.
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