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The Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners (8-12, 3-6 Big West) will welcome the Long Beach State Beach (13-8, 5-4 Big West) to their homecourt on Thursday for a Big West matchup. The Roadrunners have won three of their last five games and are coming off a loss against Cal State Fullerton. Long Beach State has won two of its last five games and is coming off a win against UC Riverside. This will be the first time these teams meet this season. Tip-off is set for 10:00 p.m. EST at Icardo Center in Bakersfield, CA.
Long Beach State has had some significant ups and downs this season. They started the season alternating wins and losses, but once December hit, they went on a six-game winning streak. Since the new year, the Beach have been inconsistent, especially on defense. The defense is surrendering 76.2 points per game. Last week, Long Beach State battled UC Riverside and walked away with a 65-53 victory, giving them a one-game win streak to work with during their conference matchup against the Roadrunners. Marcus Tsohonis was the scoring leader for the Beach, recording 15 points while making 38.5% of his field goals, 100% of his free throws, and 20% of his shots from deep. He also contributed five rebounds and four assists. Tsohonis has proved himself to be a weapon on the road this season. He averages 20.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists during away matches.
Jaso n Hart Jr. finds Aboubacar Traore! Long Beach State within three, forcing a UC Riverside timeout! #GoBeach pic.twitter.com/CGISV2mpyi
— Long Beach State Men's Basketball (@LBSUMBB) January 27, 2024
This season, the Beach are surrendering 76.2 points per game while the offense scores 78.4 points. They are averaging 45.6% from field goal range, 68.5% from the free throw line, and 30.5% from beyond the arc. In addition, they are averaging 39 rebounds, 15.3 assists, 8.7 steals, and four blocks per contest. Tsohonis is the scoring leader this season, putting up 17.5 points per game alongside the 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 steals he contributes. Lassina Traore is the rebound leader, averaging 9.7 boards per game and 11.8 points. He pulled down 10 rebounds, including six defensive rebounds against the Highlanders last week.