Three-Point Barrage Leads Louisiana Past Long Beach State

Wednesday, November 22

Fort Myers, Fla.

1:30 p.m.

Long Beach State University

3-4,0-0Big West

Louisiana

4-2,0-0Sun Belt

Louisiana

Long Beach St.

11/22/2023 2:13:00 PM | Men's Basketball

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The Ragin’ Cajuns were 18-37 from three to outscore the Beach in the final game of the Gulf Coast Showcase.

By: Roger Kirk, Associate Athletics Director, Communications & Broadcast

ESTERO, Fla. – Lassina Traore finished with a double-double and Aboubacar Traore led four in double-figures with 18 points, but a strong offensive showing was undermined by hot shooting from Louisiana, who finished the game 18-for-37 from three to defeat Long Beach State 92-82 in the final game of the Gulf Coast Showcase.

                Long Beach State (3-4) had a strong defensive start, holding Louisiana (4-2) to just two points over the opening minutes. Tied at five after five minutes, Long Beach State went on an 8-0 run capped by a three from Marcus Tsohonis in the best stretch of the game for the Beach.

                Lousiana's second three of the game, coming from Blake Butler, snapped the run and the Cajuns roared back, leading by as many as six in the first half. Long Beach State responded, retaking the lead at 39-38 on a layup from Isa Silva and then led by three at the half, 43-40.

                Tied at 49 with 15 minutes to play, the key stretch for the Cajuns was to follow, as a 16-6 run for Louisiana capped by a Kobe Julien three extended the lead to double-digits for the first time. The Cajuns ,who shot 48.6 percent from three, were able to hold off the Beach from there despite a strong offensive night from LBSU as well.

                Long Beach State finished with 54.1 percent shooting in the contest (33-of-61) led by Aboubacar Traore, who had 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Lassina Traore had his third double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Tsohonis and AJ George also finished in double-figures for the Beach.

                Long Beach State will get a quick respite for the Thanskgiving Holiday and then close out their season opening eight-game road swing against Montana State. The Beach will take on the Bobcats at 1 p.m. PT Sunday with live coverage on ESPN+.