Beach Comes Up Short At UC Irvine

Wednesday, February 19

Irvine, Calif.

7 p.m.

Long Beach State University

9-18,4-7Big West

UC Irvine

18-10,10-2Big West

Long Beach St.

UC Irvine

Photo by: John Fajardo

2/19/2020 10:10:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Box Score - UC Irvine

Michael Carter III led a shorthanded Beach squad with 16 points on the night.

By: Roger Kirk, Assistant Athletics Director, Athletic Communications

IRVINE, Calif. – It was another, tough, physical battle in the Black and Blue Rivalry in Irvine Wednesday and the home team prevailed for the second time this season in the series, as the Anteaters held off a late charge from the Beach and took away a 70-55 victory.

                Long Beach State (9-18, 4-7 Big West) and UC Irvine (18-10, 10-2 Big West) played through a close first half, with defense playing the biggest role in an 8-8 tie after six minutes setting the tone Wednesday night. The Anteaters were able to open a nine-point lead, but Long Beach State answered with a run of their own, cutting the lead to 20-19 after a trio of Michael Carter III free throws with 5:59 remaining. UCI led by three at the half, 26-23.

                The critical stretch of the evening came in the first five minutes of the second half, as the only true offensive rhythm for either team came for the 'Eaters out of the locker room. Sophomore Chance Hunter did not start a half for the first time this season, and UCI was able to capitalize on the lack of Long Beach State's leading scorer. A Tommy Rutherford dunk on the first possession sparked a 10-0 run for UCI, and Long Beach State would never again be able to pull even.

                Down 16 with 6:57 remaining, Long Beach State was able to recover and bring excitement down the stretch. Fast break baskets from Colin Slater and Drew Cobb sparked a run from the Beach. Slater knocked down a three, and a pair of free throws from Jordan Roberts cut the lead to seven points with 4:21 remaining.

                UC Irvine was able to snap the 9-0 run, and while a pair of Jordan Griffin threes again cut the lead to seven at 62-55, the Anteaters were able to slow down the pace and close out the game with four made baskets down the stretch.

                The Beach had 38 points off of the bench, as Michal Carter III led the way with 17 while Jordan Griffin added eight. Jordan Roberts added six and finished with a career high 10 rebounds, leading the Beach on the glass.

                Long Beach State will return to the Walter Pyramid Saturday to host Hawai'i at 4 p.m. That game, along with Long Beach State's final two home games will all be broadcasted live on ESPN3.