It was the James Ennis and Mike Caffey show Saturday evening in the Walter Pyramid.
Both players notched new career highs in points and rebounds, as the Long Beach State men’s basketball team (4-6) recorded an 82-65 victory over visiting Division-II opponent BYU-Hawaii (4-5).
Ennis led all players in both categories, as he tallied 29 points and 15 boards to go along with three assists, three blocks and two steals. The senior guard shot 9-of 15 from the field, including 2-of-4 from three-point range, and 9-of-13 from the free-throw line.
Ennis said after a three-game losing streak, the team could not afford another loss.
“It was a must-win,” he said. “Losing three in a row kind of motivated us during practice. We came out a little sluggish so they started hitting threes, and I guess we just picked it up and started getting stops. We stayed together, didn’t go off on our own, listened to coach and got the job done.”
Caffey compiled 21 points and 11 rebounds while adding six steals, which was also a career-high.
“James Ennis and Mike Caffey really played well,” LBSU head coach Dan Monson said. “It was good to see Mike especially, because he’s been struggling. Their activity shows just in their rebounds.”
The Seasiders were the more confident team in the early going and even jumped out to an 18-10 lead behind solid three-point shooting, but The Beach was able to respond defensively and BYUH quickly cooled off.
The ‘Niners were able to post a season-high 82 points despite a roster only seven men deep (freshman Gatete Djuma is the eighth eligible player, but played less than a minute). Already missing guard Branford Jones due to a season-ending leg injury, The Beach lost sophomore forward Nick Shepherd for what Monson said will be at least a couple of weeks after he suffered an MCL injury during Thursday’s practice.
The 49ers, however, do expect to gain the services of three transfers, Keala King, Tony Freeland and Edgar Garibay, as they are expected to become eligible at some point next week. It remains to be seen if any or all of the three will be available for the next game.
Caffey said his style of play will not change once the new players arrive in the lineup.
“During practice I pay attention to what guys can do,” he said. “I try to get them the ball where they need it to score.”
Junior center DeAndre Medlock paced the Seasiders with 13 points on 6-of-11 shooting.
LBSU returns to the court Tuesday when it travels to face UCLA (7-3) at 8 p.m.