Beach Drops Opener At Loyola Marymount

Friday, December 4

Los Angeles, Calif.

6 p.m.

Long Beach State University

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Loyola Marymount

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Long Beach St.

Loyola Marymount

12/4/2020 9:29:00 PM | Men's Basketball

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Carter III, Washington combine to score 36 points on the evening.

By: Roger Kirk, Assistant Athletics Director, Athletic Communications

LOS ANGELES – Long Beach State's 2020-21 Men's Basketball campaign finally began Friday night but the Beach couldn't keep up with Loyola Marymount on the road, falling 85-61 to the Lions. The December 4 start marked the latest beginning to a basketball season for LBSU since 1992-93.

                Long Beach State (0-1) got double-figure performances from all three of its starting guards, but were unable to withstand hot perimeter shooting from Loyola Marymount (2-2). The Lions took 38 3-pointers, sinking 15 while shooting almost 40 percent from beyond the arc to stymie any comeback chances for the Beach, who fell behind early.

                The Beach got a lift from Michael Carter III, who led the way with 19 points while senior transfer Isaiah Washington added 17 in three assists in his debut for the Beach. Chance Hunter added 13 points, but was limited to just 22 minutes played due to foul trouble.

                The theme of the game was set early, as Dameane Douglas hit a three in the first possession. Leading 9-7, the Lions would then go on a 12-0 run increase a lead that the Beach would never overcome.

                The Lions led by as many as 20 points in the first half, but Long Beach State bounced back with a strong start to the second half. A 6-0 run capped by a Trever Irish jumper cut the edge to nine points at 52-43. Junior Joe Hampton had picked up his fourth foul in the early minutes of the half, and Hunter joined him with his fourth soon after that point. The Lions responded with another barrage from outside, making four 3-pointers on four straight possessions to open a 69-49 lead, which would hold the rest of the way.

                Sophomore Romelle Mansel finished with a career-high nine rebouds to lead the Beach, and Long Beach State had six players make their debuts. Washington and Hampton both began the game in the starting lineup, while RJ Rhoden, Shaden Knight, Justin Rene and Jadon Jones all saw their first game action at the Beach.

                Long Beach State will return to the Walter Pyramid, hosting the team's first game under COVID-19 protocols at 2 p.m. on Sunday against Seattle. A live stream of the game will be available at www.longbeachstate.com.