Long Beach State University
Washington State
Defense, Wade Send 49ers Past Washington State
3/6/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 6, 2008
Long Beach, Calif. - Ally Wade scored a 49er season-high 24 points and the 49ers stopped Washington State to pick up another win 61-55. Long Beach State held off a late Washington State run and shot 47.7%, just shy of their best percentage this season.
Washington State picked up a quick start, but Wade started what would be a career-night with her first of five three pointers, and Long Beach moved out to a 5-4 lead with 15:00 to play in the first half, and would trail only one more time in the contest.
That lead for the Cougars came at 17-16 after a Kezia Kelly three-pointer, but Wade put down an answer to take a 19-17 lead, kick-starting a small run leading to a 24- 22 halftime advantage.
Long Beach State's defense played particularly well in this game, helping offset a five-rebound deficit in the game. The 49ers created five shot-clock violations from the Cougars, three in the first half, and held Washington State scoreless through the first five minutes of the second-half, beginning the latter period with an 8-0 run.
With a 13 point-lead at 38-25, Washington State made their way back into the game courtesy of hot shooting from their bench. Colleen Betteridge hit four threes in the game, all in the second half to help the Cougars cut Long Beach State's advantage down to one with 4:40 to play.
The 49ers were able to get the answers they needed. Using solid ball-movement, the Beach found Ashley Bookman for an easy layup underneath to bring the lead back to three, and moved ahead by five after Wade's fifth three of the game with 1:43 to play. Forced to foul, Washington State would put the 49ers on the line for the rest of the game, and Long Beach State knocked down eight to seal the 61-55 victory to improve to 2-8. With the loss, Washington State dropped to 3-8 on the year.
Long Beach State will take a break for the holidays, and return to action for their next-to-last non-conference game against Utah on December 29. Tipoff for that game is at 2 p.m. in the Walter Pyramid.
