Long Beach State Back In The Pyramid To Host UC San Diego

Thursday, February 5

Long Beach, Calif.

6 p.m.

Long Beach State University

UC San Diego

Tickets From $9 - $13

2/4/2026 12:54:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Game Notes - UCSD

The Beach welcome UC San Diego Thursday evening for the second meeting of the season as Big West play continues in Long Beach

By: Chelsea Pfohl, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Long Beach State returns home Thursday to host UC San Diego at 6 p.m. at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid in the second matchup between the two teams this season. The Tritons claimed the first meeting in La Jolla, 75-45, while the Beach continue Big West play looking to apply adjustments from the earlier contest.

RIGHT AWAY
• Long Beach State enters the rematch at 3-18 overall and 2-9 in Big West play, coming off its most complete conference performance in a 75-72 win over UC Riverside. UC San Diego won the first meeting 75-45, using a 23-point first quarter to establish control early.

• Starts and ball security are a major point of emphasis. In the first meeting, UC San Diego generated consistent transition offense off turnovers and dictated tempo early. Long Beach State has since shown improved decision-making and late-game poise. Limiting live-ball turnovers will be critical to preventing UCSD runs.

• JaQuoia Jones-Brown continues to anchor the Beach on both ends. She was named Big West Player of the Week for the second time after tying her career-high with 29 points against UC Riverside. Jones-Brown leads the conference in minutes per game at 37.0 and ranks fifth in scoring at 17.1 points per game, while also averaging 7.5 rebounds and shooting 82.4 percent from the free throw line.

• Perimeter production showed promise in the first meeting. Brynna Pukis and Judit Oliva Fernandez combined to stretch the floor with efficient three-point shooting. Sustaining that spacing over four quarters will be important against a UC San Diego defense that crowds the paint and recovers aggressively to shooters.

• Interior containment is a key adjustment area. UC San Diego outscored Long Beach State 34-14 in the paint and held a 39-31 rebounding advantage in the first meeting. On the season, the Beach average 35.6 rebounds per game and will need improved box-outs to limit second-chance opportunities.

• Tempo management will shape the rematch. UC San Diego thrives in fast, turnover-driven games, while Long Beach State has been most effective when it can control possessions and play with pace on its own terms. Shot selection and floor balance will be critical in keeping the game in the half court.

• Khylee Pepe provides steadiness in the backcourt. She is averaging 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while leading the team with 36 steals. Pepe has started all 21 games this season and will be key in handling pressure and initiating offense against UC San Diego's aggressive perimeter defense.

• Contributions beyond the primary scorers remain important. Freshmen Rosie Akot and Morgan Mack have combined for 9.4 points per game, while Kennan Ka averages 6.2 points and 2.4 assists per contest. Ball movement and shot selection will be critical against a disciplined UC San Diego defense.

• Sustaining focus across quarters remains a point of emphasis. UC San Diego created separation in the first and third quarters of the initial meeting. Long Beach State has shown improved third- and fourth-quarter efficiency in recent games, and maintaining that consistency from the opening tip will be essential in the rematch.