Wednesday, November 10
Moscow, Idaho
6 p.m.

Long Beach State University

95
at
89

Idaho

Joel Murray
Photo by: John Fajardo

Return To Idaho For Long Beach State Ends In Thrilling Overtime Victory

11/10/2021 9:32:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Long Beach State held the Vandals to 4 points in overtime to claim the road win to open the season.

MOSCOW, Idaho, -- Long Beach State trailed by as many as 12 points in the second half, but battled back to force overtime and controlled the extra period on the way to a 95-89 overtime win at Idaho in the first ever game in the ICCU Arena.

Idaho (0-1) honored head coach Dan Monson's father Don Monson, a former Vandals head coach as part of the pregame festivities in the arena's opener at Monson's Alma Mater.

Long Beach State (1-0) won their first ever overtime season opener behind big nights both from some of newcomers as well as the veterans. Joel Murray had an incredible breakout game, leading all scorers with 28 points, and Aboubacar Traore scored 11 in his debut.

From the returners Jordan Roberts recorded his first double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Joe Hampton and Colin Slater also both finished with 16.
While the Beach got off to a quick start, it was Idaho that got the early lift from the crowd. The Vandals bounced back from a 9-2 hole to take an 11 point lead at 24-13.

Long Beach State held tough though and ultimately was back within two at halftime, down 45-43.
The Vandals stayed hot from three, ultimately making 15 3-pointers that kept Idaho in the lead through most of the second half. Up 8 with 5:17 to play, Long Beach State made their charge.

A 9-0 run capped by a Roberts triple put Long Beach State on top at 82-81, but ultimately the game was seemingly meant to go longer for the enjoyment of everyone there on the opening night.

In overtime though it was the defense that carried the day. Feeding Hampton for a quick basket off the tip and then a Murray breakaway steal staked LBSU a four-point lead that would hold as the Beach kept the Vandals to just four points in overtime. Slater was 4-for-4 from the line in the overtime to seal the win.

The Beach will stay on the road for their next game, renewing a classic Southern California series on Monday, November 15 at UCLA. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on the Pac-12 Networks.
 
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