Long Beach State University
1-13,0-4Big West
UC Irvine
14-2,5-0Big West
LBSU Keeps Pace Early Before UC Irvine Pulls Away At The Pyramid
1/8/2026 9:08:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Beach tied the game in the second quarter, but UC Irvine used a strong finish to the half and steady second-half play to secure the win
LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Long Beach State stayed competitive through the first half Thursday night before UC Irvine pulled away late, as the Anteaters secured a 78-59 win at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.
LBSU struck first, opening the game with an early a three-pointer from Judit Oliva Fernandez to build a brief advantage, but UC Irvine responded and kept the Beach at bay throughout the opening quarter. The Anteaters held a 22-16 lead after one, though the Beach limited clean looks and stayed within striking distance.
Long Beach State found its best stretch early in the second quarter. Rosie Akot sparked the rally, knocking down a pair of three-pointers during a key sequence to erase the deficit and tie the game at 26-26. Oliva Fernandez was a steady presence during the stretch, impacting the game on both ends as the Beach briefly seized momentum.
UC Irvine answered with a decisive run to close the half, capitalizing on turnovers to regain control. The Anteaters closed the second quarter on a surge to take a 41-29 lead into halftime.
The Anteaters continued to apply pressure coming out of the break, extending their lead in the third quarter with efficient shooting and disciplined execution. Long Beach State continued to battle, with Oliva Fernandez and Khylee Pepe asserting themselves in the paint and on the defensive end, but UC Irvine maintained control and entered the fourth quarter with a double-digit advantage.
UC Irvine closed out the game in the final period, limiting transition opportunities and controlling the tempo to earn the win.
Akot led Long Beach State with a career-high 18 points and eight rebounds, while Oliva Fernandez turned in a strong all-around performance with 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists and five blocks, matching her career-high. The Beach showed resilience and flashes of offensive rhythm, particularly in the second quarter, but could not overcome UC Irvine's depth and execution down the stretch.
