By Rodd Cayton


	DÕCean Bryant scored six key points down the stretch Saturday as the Long Beach State menÕs basketball team held off a late rally by visiting Florida A&M to win its opener, 53-51, before 2,346 at The Pyramid.
	The 49ers held a 12-point lead in the second half, but Willie BullockÕs three-point shot with 49.3 seconds remaining brought the Rattlers to within one.
	Behind 52-51, FAMU had a chance to win the game in the final seconds, but Norris FletcherÕs attempt to get the ball to center Jerome James was unsuccessful, and the Rattlers turned it over. 
	LBSU forward Antrone Lee grabbed the loose ball and was fouled. Lee then made the first of two free throws to seal the victory.
	With 1:16 left in the game and the 49ers up 50-48, Bryant attacked the basket and was fouled by James. 
	Bryant then made both free throws, giving LBSU some breathing room.
	One of the top performers for the 49ers (1-0) was freshman Grant Stone, who stepped in when starting LBSU center Ian Milley left the game early with a hand injury. 
	Stone then had the task of defending James. 
	James, who had not practiced all week, finished with a game-high 16 points, but missed several close layups. James also blocked four shots.
	ÒWe had to push him out on the floor,Ó Stone said of James. ÒWe had to body up on him.Ó
	On the offensive end, Stone contributed 13 points, tied with Lee for the team lead. 
	Bryant did not have a shot attempt in the first half, but still delivered a double-double, 11 points and 10 rebounds. 
	Fletcher found himself the object of nightlong mockery. After his first-half free throw missed everything, whenever he touched the ball, he was greeted with chants of ÒAaaairball,Ó from the crowd.
	SaturdayÕs game was not one either team could be proud of, shooting-wise. 
	The 49ers made just 31 percent of their field-goal attempts, while the Rattlers hit just 34 percent.
	The 49ers lost the rebounding battle 45-43, but their persistence when the ball was on the floor negated that fact. 
	LBSU coach Wayne Morgan said that the 49ersÕ positive attitude helped them down the stretch.
	ÒOur kids never gave up,Ó Morgan said. ÒI think it shows character.Ó
	Morgan said  the team would have an orthopedist observe Milley to determine the seriousness of the injury.
	The 49ers next travel to Kansas State, for a Saturday game against the Wildcats. The next home game for LBSU is Nov. 25 against Norfolk State.