Long Beach State University Athletics
Long Beach State Set to Host No. 7 Tennessee
12/15/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
GAME #10
Long Beach State (2-7) vs. #7 Tennessee (10-0)
Date: Sunday, Dec. 17
Time: 2 p.m.
Arena: Walter Pyramid (4,200)
Location: Long Beach, Calif.
Live Stats: BeachLiveStats.com
Radio: 22WestMedia.com
Radio Talent: Jay Holloway
Live Stream: Beach Vision
Long Beach State Set to Host No. 7 Tennessee
Following a six-game road swing, the Long Beach State women's basketball team returns home to host No. 7 Tennessee at the Walter Pyramid on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. The game marks the first meeting between the two teams in nearly 30 years.
Quick Hits
• The Beach earned a 65-63 victory at Grand Canyon last week making Long Beach State 2-0 in the state of Arizona this season.
• Long Beach State is averaging 10.9 steals per game which leads the Big West. The Beach have led the league in steals in each of the last four seasons. LBSU's 98 steals on the year not only leads the league, but also ranks the Beach in the top 50 in the country.
• In addition to leading the league in steals, Long Beach State also leads the Big West in turnovers forced with 20.22 per contest which also ranks 42nd in the nation.
• Last week, LBSU was led by senior Cecily Wilson and freshman Emma Merriweather as the duo each posted a double-double. Wilson recorded 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Merriweather notched 23 points and 12 boards.
• Freshman guard Shanaijah Davison has led the team offensively with 14.6 points per game as she has recorded six double-figure scoring games and three 20-plus point showings in nine games thus far.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Santa Claus is making his way to the Beach! St. Nick will be available for photos beginning at 1:30 p.m. and will stay for two hours. Additionally, there will be lots of contests, candy, and more!
Scouting the Lady Vols
No. 7 Tennessee brings a perfect 10-0 record into the Walter Pyramid on Sunday. The contest marks the Lady Vols' first road game of the year as they are 7-0 at home and 3-0 in neutral site games.
The Lady Vols are averaging 88.7 points per game and own a scoring margin of +27.6. They are also out-rebounding their opponents by a margin of +12.7 as they average 50.2 boards per game.
Tennessee boasts four double-figure scorers led by Jaime Nared's 17.6 points per game. She also leads the team in rebounding (9.3 per game) and steals (19), ans is second on the squad with 11 blocks. Mercades Russell averages 17.2 points per game to go along with 8.6 rebounds per game. She is the team's leader in blocks with 12.
Rennia Davis averages 12.8 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game, while posting 19 assists, 12 steals and four blocks. Rounding out the Lady Vols' double-figure scorers is Anastasia Hayes who averages 12.1 points per game. She also adds 2.8 boards per game, 43 assists and 16 steals.
Series vs. Tennessee
Long Beach State and Tennessee will meet for the first time since 1989 and the all-time series is tied 3-3. The series began in 1979 with the Beach defeating the Lady Vols 71-68. LBSU won the first two meetings, but Tennessee went on a 3-0 run defeating Long Beach State in 1987, 1988 and 1989. In March of 1989, the Lady Vols ended LBSU's season with a 94-80 win over the Beach in the NCAA Tournament. Long Beach State, however, got revenge nine months later when they handed Tennessee a 62-58 loss on Dec. 19, 1989.
Coming Up
Long Beach State will host the Beach Classic presented by Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites on Wednesday, Dec. 20 and Thursday, Dec. 21. In addition to Long Beach State, New Mexico State, Northeastern and Illinois State will take part in the tournament.
The Beach open the tournament against Illinois State on Dec. 20 at 3 p.m., followed by the game against New Mexico State and Northeastern at approximately 5 p.m. The following day, the consolation game will be played at noon, followed by the championship game at approximately 2 p.m.
