The eagerly anticipated match between Long Beach State men’s basketball and UC Santa Barbara had spectators on tenterhooks. Despite a valiant effort, Long Beach State fell short in a 76-74 defeat to UCSB.
Coach Dan Monson of LBSU expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating that the players had given their all. The team fought tenaciously, overcoming an 11-point deficit in the second half to briefly take a 69-68 lead. However, the remarkable 37-point display by UCSB star Ajay Mitchell ultimately resulted in Long Beach State narrowly missing out on victory.
The team’s struggles at the free-throw line also proved costly, with LBSU only converting 13 out of 22 attempts. Despite the players’ strong effort, Monson emphasized the significance of seizing opportunities in closely contested games such as this.
Despite the tough defeat, there were standout moments for LBSU. Marcus Tsohonis delivered an impressive performance, contributing a team-high 25 points and four steals. Lassina Traore also achieved a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The team’s resilience and determination were evident throughout the game, as they rallied from an early deficit to make it a closely fought contest.
Looking towards the future, Monson expressed optimism about the team’s upcoming opportunities, recognizing the need for consistency in the games ahead. With the regular season finale against UC Davis approaching, LBSU has the chance to position themselves favorably for the upcoming Big West Conference Tournament. The disappointment of the narrow loss to UC Santa Barbara will serve as motivation for the team as they aim to finish the season strongly and make an impact in the upcoming tournament.
While the game did not end in Long Beach State’s favor, the team’s unwavering spirit and determination were certainly commendable. As they regroup and prepare to face UC Davis, the players are focused on ending the season on a positive note and setting the stage for a successful tournament run.
The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the season, and fans can anticipate Long Beach State coming back stronger than ever as they strive for victory in the upcoming games.