49ers crap out

The Cal State Long Beach men's basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 88-76 loss against New Mexico State Friday at the Big West Conference tournament in Reno, Nev.

After trailing by as much as 23 points in the first half, the 49ers whittled the lead down to six points with just under seven minutes remaining in the game.

The 49ers' valiant second-half run was cut short due to foul trouble. 49ers Quincy Nuckles, James Cotton, and Marcus Johnson fouled-out just minutes after closing the lead to six points.

A key to the Aggie victory was the difference in bench depth. The 49ers only dressed eight players while the Aggies dressed 12. Due to the 49er foul trouble, the Aggies outscored CSULB 33-10 at the line.

"I feel bad for our seniors, Brandon (Titus), Ike (Nwankwo), and Brian (Yankelevitz)," Cotton said, explaining that the seniors have played their last collegiate game.

Titus sparked the 49ers by scoring 24 points, including two three-point shots to open the game. Johnson's 12 rebounds and 10 points in just 23 minutes of play was a remarkable performance. Cotton added a quiet 23 points and six rebounds.

NMS forward Louis Richardson paced the Aggies by providing leadership as well as scoring 18 points. Aggie center Enoch Davis also turned in a strong performance, scoring 18 points and corralling seven rebounds.

In a complete turnaround of play, NMS lost 80-63 to the University of Nevada in the semifinals of the Big West Conference tournament.

The University of Pacific won the tournament championship on Sunday, defeating Nevada 63-55.