Beach Falls In Another One Possession Game At Hawai’i

Saturday, February 27

Manoa, Hawaii

7 p.m.

Long Beach State University

5-9,4-6Big West

Hawai'i

10-8,8-8Big West

Long Beach St.

Hawaii

Photo by: John Fajardo

2/27/2021 9:27:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Michael Carter III had a three to tie that circled the rim but didn’t fall after a furious comeback.

By: Roger Kirk, Assistant Athletics Director, Athletic Communications

HONOLULU, Hawai'i – In a game that featured a lot of similarities to the night before, Long Beach State had another three at the buzzer to make a difference, but again it didn't fall as Long Beach State lost to Hawai'i 79-76 to close out the series against the Rainbow Warriors.

                Like Friday, Long Beach State (5-9, 4-6 Big West) controlled the action in the opening half, but Hawai'i (10-8, 8-8 Big West) had an incredible hot streak in the opening minutes of the second half to pull well in front in the second half.

                The Beach made a late charge behind some outstanding full-court pressure, but a game-tying three from Michael Carter III circled the whole rim before drifting out and allowing Hawai'i to escape with the win.

                Carter III led the way for Long Beach State on the night, scoring 20 points with 7 rebounds, leading four LBSU players who finished in double-figures on the night. The Beach actually had identical lines from the floor in both halves, shooting 14-of-28 in both halves, 50 percent on the night.

                That helped the Beach open up an 11-point lead in the first half, and LBSU led 38-31 at the break. In the second half, however, after the 17-minute mark the Rainbow Warriors made 11 straight field goals and capped a massive run with four straight three-pointers, opening a 71-58 lead with 9:30 remaining.

                The Beach stymied the run with a Chance Hunter basket, but still trailed by 12 with just under five minutes to play when Dan Monson turned up the pressure and LBSU responded. Down 77-65, the Beach went on an 11-0 run to pull within one point with just under two minutes remaining. Jovon McClanhan made a pair of free throws to push the lead back up to three, setting up the final shot for Carter III and the Beach at the buzzer.

                Long Beach State will close the regular season back home inside the Walter Pyramid, hosting UC Irvine in the Black and Blue Rivalry. Both games are scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN3.