January 18, 2003
LONG BEACH, CA -- Utah State (12-3, 4-1 Big West) defeated Long Beach State (2-12, 1-4 Big West) 63-55 in conference action Saturday night at The Pyramid, nearly pulling an upset over the Aggies, in a game of runs.
The Aggies retook the lead for good with just over six minutes left thanks to an 8-2 run to lead 49-44. LBSU's Tony Darden had hit a tre with 5:43 remaining to bring the game to within two points, 49-47. USU went on an 8-0 to push their lead to ten points, 57-47, with 2:02 remaining, putting the game out of reach for the 49ers.
Kevin Roberts led The Beach with 19 points, while Darden put up 12 points. Marcel Jackson and Roberts each picked up four boards. The Beach shot 41% from the field.
USU had four players in double digits, led by Toraino Johnson ‘s 14 points. Cardell Butler added 12, while Desmond Penigar and Spencer Nelson each chipped in 11 points. Utah State shot 48% from the field and 84% from the charity strip, going 22-of-26.
After the Aggies led by five at the half, Utah State used a 6-0 run to take a 41-33 lead with 12:16 left. Long Beach battled back, with a 9-0 run of their own capped off by a fade-away jumper by Kevin Roberts to recapture the lead at 42-41 with 8:47 remaining to play. That was the last time the 49ers would lead.
The Aggies took a 29-24 lead at the half, as Utah State led most of the half before LBSU's Alex Graham's hook shot with 4:25 remaining gave Long Beach a 21-19 lead. USU used a 6-0 run to retake the lead at 27-22 with 2:19 left.
LBSU out-rebounded Utah State 17-to-11 in the first half and shot 42% from the field. The Aggies shot 48% from the field. The Beach gave up seven turnovers, while USU only gave up three.
The Beach will next be in action as they travel to Cal State Northridge to take on the Matadors Wednesday, January 22 at 7:05 pm
BOX SCORE
| 
