Long Beach State University Athletics
Long Beach State University
Portland
The Beach Set To Face Portland In The Pyramid
12/10/2025 12:52:00 PM | Women's Basketball
LBSU hosts Portland for the first time as the Beach look to regain rhythm at home.
LONG BEACH, Calif. - Long Beach State Women's Basketball returns to the Pyramid on Thursday night seeking a reset against nonconference opponent Portland, aiming to reclaim rhythm at home after a setback at UC San Diego.
RIGHT AWAY
• Thursday is Long Beach State's first meeting with Portland, providing a fresh opponent and a chance to build rhythm before returning to conference action.
• LBSU enters Thursday seeking to rebound from a 75–45 setback at UC San Diego, where the Beach generated their strongest offensive stretch in the third quarter (6-of-11 FG, 4-of-7 3FG) but were unable to sustain scoring consistency. The game reinforced their improving ability to create shots in bursts, but also highlighted areas still in progress: transition defense, turnover control, and second-chance prevention.
• Despite an 0–8 start, the Beach have shown competitive surges and extended stretches of defensive sharpness throughout nonconference play, including a near-upset vs. Sacramento State and long stretches of efficient half-court execution against Oregon State, San Francisco and California Baptist. LBSU continues to hold opponents below their season scoring averages in several outings, but offensive fluidity and rebounding consistency remain key focal points as the rotation settles.
• JaQuoia Jones-Brown remains the engine of the Beach offense, averaging 16.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while leading the Big West in minutes played at 35.25 per game. She has scored in double figures seven of eight games this season and brings pace control, shot creation, and late-clock poise that define the team's competitive identity.
• Khylee Pepe continues to provide vital toughness on both ends, averaging 5.1 rebounds and 1.88 steals per game, ranking among the Big West's top 15 in both categories. She added four steals at UCSD (tied for the game high) and remains one of the conference's best rebounding guards.
• Rosie Akot has continues to bring high-impact energy in her reserve role, including a team-best 13-rebound performance at Oregon State, still one of the conference's top individual rebounding outings this season.
• Brynna Pukis remains one of the Beach's most important floor-spacers, leading the team with 11 made threes this season. Her 12-point outburst on four triples in the most recent game showcased the explosiveness she brings when she gets early touches in rhythm.
• Judit Oliva Fernandez continues to anchor LBSU's interior defense, ranking fourth in the Big West with 1.25 blocks per game and averaging 8.1 points and 4.8 rebounds. Her instincts at the rim and ability to finish inside give LBSU a dependable presence in the frontcourt.
