Strong Start Spoiled In 84-63 Defeat To Southern Utah

Thursday, December 19

Long Beach, Calif.

7 p.m.

Long Beach State University

3-9,0-0Big West

Southern Utah

7-4,0-0Big Sky

Southern Utah

Long Beach St.

Photo by: John Fajardo

12/19/2019 9:49:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Box Score - Southern Utah

Michael Carter III finished with 13 points leading four in double-figures.

By: Roger Kirk, Assistant Athletics Director, Athletic Communications

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Long Beach State held Southern Utah to just 11 points in the first 12 minutes of Thursday night's ballgame, but the Beach didn't do enough damage offensively in that stretch and Southern Utah rallied, then pulled away from LBSU in an 84-63 defeat.

                It was a promising start for Long Beach State (3-9) in the team's return home, as freshman Max De Geest knocked down an early 3-pointer and the Beach held Southern Utah (7-4) to four points in the first seven minutes of the game, one of the better defensive starts for the team.

Roberts with the bucket has the Beach up five in a defensive grinder - LBSU on top 16-11 with 7:26 to go. #GoBeach pic.twitter.com/C62HoiIY28 — LBSU Mens Basketball (@LBSUhoops) December 20, 2019

                The Beach would hold a 16-11 lead with 8:05 remaining in the first half, but a 6-0 run for Southern Utah gave the Thunderbirds their first lead. The Beach moved back in front briefly on a basket from Michael Carter III, but Southern Utah would push back in front 26-22. In a disastrous final two minutes, Southern Utah went on a 10-0 run to close out the half.

                The momentum carried into the second half for Southern Utah, as the Thunderbirds would open a lead of 33 points before Long Beach State began to right the ship. A driving dunk inside from Jordan Roberts sparked a 10-2 run for LBSU to cut the lead to 61-38.

                Jordan Griffin was also a bright spot in a dim second half, as the senior scored all 12 of his points in the latter 20, but the damage was done. Cameron Oluyitan led Southern Utah with 27 points, while Maizen Fausett finished with a double-double, leading SUU to a 41-29 edge on the glass and 22 second chance points.

                Carter III led the Beach with 13, while Griffin scored 12, Jordan Roberts had a season-high 10 and De Geest also finished in double-figures with a career-high five assists.

                Long Beach State will face a quick turnaround, hosting Utah Valley Saturday at 4 p.m. before traveling to face Seattle on Monday, December 23.