Looking to extend its 10-game win streak, the Long Beach State men’s basketball team is headed out on the road for two Big West Conference matchups.
The 49ers (17-6, 10-0 Big West) will play the University of Pacific (5-5, 9-13 Big West) on Thursday and UC Davis (1-21, 0-10) on Saturday.
Despite the streak and the team’s first place conference standing, head coach Dan Monson is looking for improvement and consistency heading into the final seven games of the regular season.
“I think we are looking to be more consistent in some areas,” Monson said. “We have proven that we are very good in every area when we can consistently do it.”
Monson added: “We have to be consistent on our defensive energy, our offensive pace and getting our shots in rhythm.”
The ‘Niners defeated each of its upcoming opponents at home January 12 and 14, respectively.
In the win over Pacific, the Tigers were able to keep the game close, and even led by six with 5:47 to play. LBSU then took the lead and converted key free throws in the final minutes to seal the 76-66 victory.
“Pacific came in [Jan. 14] and did a great job controlling the pace on both ends of the court, they held us to 24 points in the first half,” Monson said. “We have got to be able to control them better, if you let somebody get comfortable at home, you are in for problems.”
Senior forward T.J. Robinson finished with a double-double in the win, scoring 14 points to go with a career-high 19 rebounds.
Robinson averages 12.2 points and a Big West-leading 10.3 boards on the season.
Senior guard Larry Anderson the team can continue to get better as the regular season rounds out.
“The last couple games we have not been really active, but just keeping the energy, that is what it really comes down to.”
Anderson said the key to beating Pacific again is closing out on their shooters, and making crisp defensive rotations.
“Just making sure we stick with their shooters; they are a very tough team,” he said. “They shot a lot of three’s and got a lot of open shots. We have to make sure if we are switching, we switch. If we are containing, we’ve got to contain those guys.”
Against the Aggies on Saturday, the Beach will look to contain sophomore forward Josh Ritchart, the conferences 13th leading scorer who averages 11.6 points per game.
Richart only played one minute of scoreless basketball in UC Davis’ first matchup with the ‘Niners earlier in the season.
Junior guard Ryan Howley led the Aggies in scoring with 12 points, followed by sophomore Harrison DuPont who added 11 points.
In the first matchup with Davis, LBSU dominated the second half, resulting in an 86-58 route, after only leading by six at the break.
Senior forward Eugene Phelps dominated the contest, finishing his first ever 20-10 game with a career-high 23 points to go with 11 rebounds and four assists (also a career-high). Junior wing James Ennis added 18 points on 7 of 10 shooting.
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