Saturday, December 14
Long Beach, Calif.
2:00 PM
Long Beach State University
vs
UCLA
Photo by: John Fajardo
Long Beach State Hosts Top-Ranked UCLA At The Walter Pyramid
12/13/2024 5:02:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Beach bring a three-game winning streak into the Walter Pyramid, while No. 1 UCLA is undefeated at 9-0
LONG BEACH STATE (5-3) vs. #1 UCLA (9-0)
Saturday, December 14 • 2:00 p.m. • Long Beach, Calif. • Walter Pyramid
TV: ESPN+
Talent: Jason Schwartz (pxp) & Devin Hudson (analyst)
Live Stats: BeachLiveStats.com
X: @LBSUWBB
Long Beach State Hosts Top-Ranked UCLA At The Walter PyramidÂ
The Long Beach State Women's Basketball Team is set to host No. 1 UCLA at the Walter Pyramid on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. The Beach bring a three-game winning streak into the game, while the Bruins are undefeated and riding a nine-game winning streak.
Catch All the Action
All Long Beach State home games will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with Jason Schwartz and Devin Hudson on the call. Fans can also follow live stats via BeachLiveStats.com.
Staying Social
Follow Long Beach State women's basketball on Twitter and Instagram atÂ
@LBSUWBB. You can also stay up-to-date on all things Long Beach State by following @LBSUAthletics on Twitter. Be sure to "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram at @LBSU. And don't forget our hashtag #GoBeach.
About The Beach
• Long Beach State brings a 5-3 overall record into the week. The Beach are 2-0 in Big West action.
• The Beach are on a three-game winning streak as they have defeated Pepperdine (68-61), Cal State Fullerton (67-56), and Hawaii (67-56).
• LBSU is currently 3-0 when playing at home inside the Walter Pyramid.
• As a team, LBSU is shooting 41.0% from the field and averaging a league-leading 43.6 rebounds per game.
• LBSU Head Coach Amy Wright is back on the hardwood for her second season at the Beach.Â
• The Beach welcomed back six letterwinners from a year ago, while adding eight talented newcomers to the mix.
• Rachel Loobie is the team's leader in rebounding with 7.25 boards per game to rank third in the conference. The grad transfer from Wright State is solid all around as she adds 6.6 points per game, while leading the Beach in blocks with 14.
• Senior guard Savannah Tucker leads the Beach in scoring with 15.5 points per game as she comes in third in The Big West. The product out of Fresno, Calif., turned in a career-high 29-point performance at Sacramento State on November 17. She has recorded two 20-plus point performances this season and six in her career. In addition to her hot shooting, Tucker also contributes 2.8 rebounds per game, while leading the team with 24 assists and 12 steals. Tucker is ranked third in the conference in scoring (15.50 ppg) and assists per game (3.00), while leading the league with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.85.
• True freshman Mykelle Richards worked her way into the starting lineup and has been started the last five-consecutive games. She posted a career-effort with 15 points, while shooting 70.0% from the field (7-10) to lead LBSU to a win over Pepperdine on Dec. 1. On the year, she owns a 49.0 field goal percentage as she has connected on 25-of-51 field goals.
• Jada Crawshawis LBSU's second leading scorer with 10.4 points per game to go along with 5.3 rebounds per game, and six steals.
• Senior guard Patricia Chung has been a consistent force for Long Beach State this season. She ranks in the Top 10 in The Big West in five different statistical categories as she is tied for second in three-point field goal percentage (77.8), fifth in defensive rebounds per game (5.00), seventh in assists per game (2.88), tied for ninth in made three-pointers (1.5), and 10th in rebounding (6.13).
• True freshman JaQuoia Jones-Brown has found her groove with the Beach. She averages 5.5 rebounds per game and 5.6 points per game, to go along with seven assists, four steals, and three blocks.
• In the Big West Preseason Coaches Poll, Long Beach State was picked to finish fourth in the standings. The Beach garnered 63 points to come in behind preseason favorite Hawaii (96 points, 6 first-place votes), second place UC Irvine (95 points, 5 first-place votes), and UC Davis (81 points).Â
Scouting UCLA
• No. 1 UCLA brings a 9-0 record into the game at Long Beach State.
• The Bruins are 1-0 in Big Ten action as they are coming off of a 73.62 win at Washington.
• As a team, UCLA is shooting 49.7% from the field, while averaging 83.7 points per game and 46.3 rebounds per game.Â
• The Bruins own a 30.4 scoring margin as they have held their opponents to just 53.2 points per game this season.
• UCLA boasts three double-figure scorers in Lauren Betts (19.6 ppg), Kiki Rice (11.8 ppg), and Gabriela Jaquez (11.3 ppg).
• Betts also leads the team in rebounding (10.0 rpg) and blocks (19).
• Rice chips in 20 assists to go along with 13 rebounds, seven steals, and a pair of blocks.
• Jaquez adds 5.1 rebounds per game, while totaling 21 assists, four steals, and one block.
• Elina Aarnisalo leads the Bruins with 51 assists to go along with 8.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.Â
The Series: The Beach vs. The Bruins
Long Beach State and UCLA will meet for the 51st time in program history. Overall, the Beach lead the all-time series 28-22. Saturday's contest marks the first time the two teams will face off since 2019. This is just the fourth time the Beach and the Bruins will face each other this century. UCLA has won the last four meetings against Long Beach State, as the Beach look for their first win over the Bruins since Dec. 3, 1987. Whe playing each other in Long Beach, LBSU leads the series 10-9.
Big West Honors
Savannah Tucker earned her first career Big West Player of the Week award after leading the Beach to a 2-0 start in Big West action last week.
The senior guard averaged 19.5 points per game on 45.8% shooting (11-24) to go along with 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game as LBSU earned victories over Cal State Fullerton and Hawaii.
Tucker totaled a team-best 16 points with four rebounds, two assists, and a block in Thursday's conference opener against the Titans leading Long Beach State to a 67-56 victory.
In Saturday's overtime win at Hawaii, Tucker led all scorers with 23 points and an 11-for-12 outing at the line, while adding three boards and three assists, against zero turnovers. Her sixth-career 20-plus point performance was key to helping Long Beach State earn its first road overtime win against Hawaii in program history.
Career Game
Senior guard Savannah Tucker had a career game on Sunday, Nov. 17 at Sacramento State. The product out of Fresno, Calif., didn't miss a beat as she sunk 9-of-15 field goals on her way to a career-best 29-point performance. Tucker was instrumental in leading Long Beach State to a thrilling 69-68 road victory against the Hornets. In addition to her potent offense, Tucker contributed on all sides of the ball racking up seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in the game. She is now leading the Beach with 15.5 points per game and 3.00 assists per game, which are both good for third in The Big West.
Cleaning Up The Glass
Rachel Loobie, a grad transfer forward from Wright State, is the Beach's leading rebounder with 7.25 boards per game which puts her in third in the conference. This season, Loobie has recorded two double-digit rebounding games as she pulled down a season-high 14 against Pepperdine (12/1/24) and 12 at Hawaii (12/7/24). In addition to leading the Beach in rebounding, Loobie also sets the standards in blocks with 14. Her 1.75 blocks per game is good for fourth in The Big West.Â
Kay Yow Servant Leader
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund announced the launch of the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award on Monday and Long Beach State's Lovely Sonnier was selected as one of 14 women's basketball student-athletes from across the country. The new award honors student-athletes who exemplify the values of leadership, selflessness, and service in the fight against all cancers affecting women.
The award honors Coach Yow's legacy and the young people who carry it forward. It is presented annually to "student-athletes of great character who put the needs of others before their own, who uplift others, and who do it with humility and grace. Award winners demonstrate extraordinary dedication to making a positive impact on their teams and in their communities. They are people with a servant's spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership."
Sonnier earned the award after spending much of her free time doing volunteer work at Miller Children's Hospital, Liaison for Long Beach State for The Big West "Tough Like Tammy" campaign, Los Altos Parks and Rec, and Jefferson Elementary School.
"We are thrilled to introduce the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award as part of our ongoing mission to honor Coach Yow's legacy," said Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. "This award highlights the kind of leadership that inspires hope, bring people together, and makes the world a better place. Just as Coach Yow did, we hope this recognition will inspire others to lead with compassion and purpose."
The recipients of the award were recognized by a special patch they will wear on their jerseys. Sonnier joins an impressive list of women's basketball student-athletes.
2024-25 Servant Leader Award Winners
Addison Martin, Illinois State
Allie Campbell, Penn State
Ashlyn Sheridan, Anderson University
Briauna Thompson, UNC-Asheville
Flau'jae Johnson, LSU
JoJo Lacey, Rutgers
Kennedi Jackson, Boston College
Lovely Sonnier, Long Beach State
Madison Hayes, NC State
Makayla Timpson, Florida State
Payton Dunbar, Virginia
Rayah Marshall, USC
Rylee Langerman, Oklahoma State
Samantha Osorio, Moravian University
Up Next
Long Beach State closes out the non-conference season with home games against Elon (Dec. 19) and Bethesda (Dec. 30). The LBSU-Elon match will take place at 1 p.m., while the Long Beach-Bethesda contest will tip-off at 2 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
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Saturday, December 14 • 2:00 p.m. • Long Beach, Calif. • Walter Pyramid
TV: ESPN+
Talent: Jason Schwartz (pxp) & Devin Hudson (analyst)
Live Stats: BeachLiveStats.com
X: @LBSUWBB
Long Beach State Hosts Top-Ranked UCLA At The Walter PyramidÂ
The Long Beach State Women's Basketball Team is set to host No. 1 UCLA at the Walter Pyramid on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. The Beach bring a three-game winning streak into the game, while the Bruins are undefeated and riding a nine-game winning streak.
Catch All the Action
All Long Beach State home games will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with Jason Schwartz and Devin Hudson on the call. Fans can also follow live stats via BeachLiveStats.com.
Staying Social
Follow Long Beach State women's basketball on Twitter and Instagram atÂ
@LBSUWBB. You can also stay up-to-date on all things Long Beach State by following @LBSUAthletics on Twitter. Be sure to "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram at @LBSU. And don't forget our hashtag #GoBeach.
About The Beach
• Long Beach State brings a 5-3 overall record into the week. The Beach are 2-0 in Big West action.
• The Beach are on a three-game winning streak as they have defeated Pepperdine (68-61), Cal State Fullerton (67-56), and Hawaii (67-56).
• LBSU is currently 3-0 when playing at home inside the Walter Pyramid.
• As a team, LBSU is shooting 41.0% from the field and averaging a league-leading 43.6 rebounds per game.
• LBSU Head Coach Amy Wright is back on the hardwood for her second season at the Beach.Â
• The Beach welcomed back six letterwinners from a year ago, while adding eight talented newcomers to the mix.
• Rachel Loobie is the team's leader in rebounding with 7.25 boards per game to rank third in the conference. The grad transfer from Wright State is solid all around as she adds 6.6 points per game, while leading the Beach in blocks with 14.
• Senior guard Savannah Tucker leads the Beach in scoring with 15.5 points per game as she comes in third in The Big West. The product out of Fresno, Calif., turned in a career-high 29-point performance at Sacramento State on November 17. She has recorded two 20-plus point performances this season and six in her career. In addition to her hot shooting, Tucker also contributes 2.8 rebounds per game, while leading the team with 24 assists and 12 steals. Tucker is ranked third in the conference in scoring (15.50 ppg) and assists per game (3.00), while leading the league with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.85.
• True freshman Mykelle Richards worked her way into the starting lineup and has been started the last five-consecutive games. She posted a career-effort with 15 points, while shooting 70.0% from the field (7-10) to lead LBSU to a win over Pepperdine on Dec. 1. On the year, she owns a 49.0 field goal percentage as she has connected on 25-of-51 field goals.
• Jada Crawshawis LBSU's second leading scorer with 10.4 points per game to go along with 5.3 rebounds per game, and six steals.
• Senior guard Patricia Chung has been a consistent force for Long Beach State this season. She ranks in the Top 10 in The Big West in five different statistical categories as she is tied for second in three-point field goal percentage (77.8), fifth in defensive rebounds per game (5.00), seventh in assists per game (2.88), tied for ninth in made three-pointers (1.5), and 10th in rebounding (6.13).
• True freshman JaQuoia Jones-Brown has found her groove with the Beach. She averages 5.5 rebounds per game and 5.6 points per game, to go along with seven assists, four steals, and three blocks.
• In the Big West Preseason Coaches Poll, Long Beach State was picked to finish fourth in the standings. The Beach garnered 63 points to come in behind preseason favorite Hawaii (96 points, 6 first-place votes), second place UC Irvine (95 points, 5 first-place votes), and UC Davis (81 points).Â
Scouting UCLA
• No. 1 UCLA brings a 9-0 record into the game at Long Beach State.
• The Bruins are 1-0 in Big Ten action as they are coming off of a 73.62 win at Washington.
• As a team, UCLA is shooting 49.7% from the field, while averaging 83.7 points per game and 46.3 rebounds per game.Â
• The Bruins own a 30.4 scoring margin as they have held their opponents to just 53.2 points per game this season.
• UCLA boasts three double-figure scorers in Lauren Betts (19.6 ppg), Kiki Rice (11.8 ppg), and Gabriela Jaquez (11.3 ppg).
• Betts also leads the team in rebounding (10.0 rpg) and blocks (19).
• Rice chips in 20 assists to go along with 13 rebounds, seven steals, and a pair of blocks.
• Jaquez adds 5.1 rebounds per game, while totaling 21 assists, four steals, and one block.
• Elina Aarnisalo leads the Bruins with 51 assists to go along with 8.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.Â
The Series: The Beach vs. The Bruins
Long Beach State and UCLA will meet for the 51st time in program history. Overall, the Beach lead the all-time series 28-22. Saturday's contest marks the first time the two teams will face off since 2019. This is just the fourth time the Beach and the Bruins will face each other this century. UCLA has won the last four meetings against Long Beach State, as the Beach look for their first win over the Bruins since Dec. 3, 1987. Whe playing each other in Long Beach, LBSU leads the series 10-9.
Big West Honors
Savannah Tucker earned her first career Big West Player of the Week award after leading the Beach to a 2-0 start in Big West action last week.
The senior guard averaged 19.5 points per game on 45.8% shooting (11-24) to go along with 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game as LBSU earned victories over Cal State Fullerton and Hawaii.
Tucker totaled a team-best 16 points with four rebounds, two assists, and a block in Thursday's conference opener against the Titans leading Long Beach State to a 67-56 victory.
In Saturday's overtime win at Hawaii, Tucker led all scorers with 23 points and an 11-for-12 outing at the line, while adding three boards and three assists, against zero turnovers. Her sixth-career 20-plus point performance was key to helping Long Beach State earn its first road overtime win against Hawaii in program history.
Career Game
Senior guard Savannah Tucker had a career game on Sunday, Nov. 17 at Sacramento State. The product out of Fresno, Calif., didn't miss a beat as she sunk 9-of-15 field goals on her way to a career-best 29-point performance. Tucker was instrumental in leading Long Beach State to a thrilling 69-68 road victory against the Hornets. In addition to her potent offense, Tucker contributed on all sides of the ball racking up seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in the game. She is now leading the Beach with 15.5 points per game and 3.00 assists per game, which are both good for third in The Big West.
Cleaning Up The Glass
Rachel Loobie, a grad transfer forward from Wright State, is the Beach's leading rebounder with 7.25 boards per game which puts her in third in the conference. This season, Loobie has recorded two double-digit rebounding games as she pulled down a season-high 14 against Pepperdine (12/1/24) and 12 at Hawaii (12/7/24). In addition to leading the Beach in rebounding, Loobie also sets the standards in blocks with 14. Her 1.75 blocks per game is good for fourth in The Big West.Â
Kay Yow Servant Leader
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund announced the launch of the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award on Monday and Long Beach State's Lovely Sonnier was selected as one of 14 women's basketball student-athletes from across the country. The new award honors student-athletes who exemplify the values of leadership, selflessness, and service in the fight against all cancers affecting women.
The award honors Coach Yow's legacy and the young people who carry it forward. It is presented annually to "student-athletes of great character who put the needs of others before their own, who uplift others, and who do it with humility and grace. Award winners demonstrate extraordinary dedication to making a positive impact on their teams and in their communities. They are people with a servant's spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership."
Sonnier earned the award after spending much of her free time doing volunteer work at Miller Children's Hospital, Liaison for Long Beach State for The Big West "Tough Like Tammy" campaign, Los Altos Parks and Rec, and Jefferson Elementary School.
"We are thrilled to introduce the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award as part of our ongoing mission to honor Coach Yow's legacy," said Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. "This award highlights the kind of leadership that inspires hope, bring people together, and makes the world a better place. Just as Coach Yow did, we hope this recognition will inspire others to lead with compassion and purpose."
The recipients of the award were recognized by a special patch they will wear on their jerseys. Sonnier joins an impressive list of women's basketball student-athletes.
2024-25 Servant Leader Award Winners
Addison Martin, Illinois State
Allie Campbell, Penn State
Ashlyn Sheridan, Anderson University
Briauna Thompson, UNC-Asheville
Flau'jae Johnson, LSU
JoJo Lacey, Rutgers
Kennedi Jackson, Boston College
Lovely Sonnier, Long Beach State
Madison Hayes, NC State
Makayla Timpson, Florida State
Payton Dunbar, Virginia
Rayah Marshall, USC
Rylee Langerman, Oklahoma State
Samantha Osorio, Moravian University
Up Next
Long Beach State closes out the non-conference season with home games against Elon (Dec. 19) and Bethesda (Dec. 30). The LBSU-Elon match will take place at 1 p.m., while the Long Beach-Bethesda contest will tip-off at 2 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
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