Long Beach State University Athletics
Long Beach State University
UC Irvine
Long Beach State Faces UC Irvine In Thursday Night Big West Test
2/17/2026 1:10:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Beach look to control tempo and execution in 6 p.m. road matchup against the Anteaters
LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Long Beach State heads to UC Irvine on Thursday for a 6 p.m. conference matchup that will hinge on tempo and half court execution. The Beach enter averaging 54.4 points and 35.3 rebounds per game, relying on defensive activity and balanced contributions across the rotation to stay competitive.
RIGHT AWAY
• Everything for the Beach starts with JaQuoia Jones-Brown. The sophomore rarely leaves the floor, logging more than 37 minutes per game, and she impacts every possession. She is averaging 16.8 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting over 41 percent from the field, and when games tighten late, she is the one with the ball in her hands. Twice this season she has exploded for 29 points, and her ability to score, rebound, and defend makes her the engine Long Beach State will lean on against Irvine.
• On the perimeter, the energy often comes from Khylee Pepe. The senior guard is producing 8.3 points and nearly five rebounds per game, but it is her defensive activity that changes momentum. She leads the team with 39 steals and is coming off an 18-point performance at Cal State Fullerton, where she repeatedly attacked the paint and lived at the free throw line.
• Orchestrating the offense is Kennan Ka, whose poise shows up in the details. Averaging a team-best 2.5 assists per game to go with 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds, she keeps possessions organized and values the basketball. Her assist-to-turnover ratio is the best among the regular rotation, a key factor heading into a matchup with an Irvine team that thrives on defensive discipline.
• The frontcourt continues to evolve, with Rosie Akot emerging as a reliable contributor at 6.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. She has already made nine starts and provides versatility inside and out. Spacing around her comes from Brynna Pukis, who has knocked down 31 three-pointers at a 33 percent clip, forcing defenders to stretch beyond the arc.
• Collectively, the Beach are averaging 54.4 points and 35.3 rebounds per contest. When they defend without fouling and control the glass, they can keep games in their preferred tempo. That balance will be critical against a UC Irvine group that ranks near the top of the conference in efficiency and scoring margin.
• Ultimately, this contest will be shaped by execution. Long Beach State has shown in wins over CSUN and UC Riverside that it can grind in the half court and close out tight games. Limiting turnovers, finishing defensive possessions, and letting their leaders dictate rhythm will be the formula against the Anteaters.
