Monday, January 25, 1999

Men No. 1

By Wes Woods

On-Line Forty-Niner

After a nail-biting 66-64 overtime loss on Jan. 21 to Cal State Fullerton on the road, Long Beach State was looking for revenge.

Against the UC Irvine Anteaters, the 49ers found it in the form of a 64-63 victory, in yet another on-the-road nail-biter.

Moving the Beach to first place in the Big West Conference Western Division, the victory moved the 49ers record to 8-9 overall and 5-2 in the conference. The Anteaters dropped to 5-11, 1-5 in the conference.

With guard Ramel "Rock" Lloyd leading the way with 18 points on 8 of 14 shooting, Long Beach State managed to squeeze out the win despite the efforts of Anteater guard Jerry Green's 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting as well.

It was strong comeback for "Rock," after managing just four points on 1-of-7 shooting against the Titans.

Center Mate Milisa poured in 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting, while forward D'Cean Bryant scored 10. Guard Charles O'Neal put up 9 points and 6 rebounds, while forward Richie Smalls grabbed 7 rebounds for the Beach before fouling out of the game.

Forward Adam Stetson put in 15 points on 3-of-3 shooting, two 3 pointers and 7 free throws. Marek Ondera added 14 points.

Long Beach State and UC Irvine ended up shared many of the same statistics.

Both teams ended the game with 28 total rebounds, while averaging a .462 and a .447 field goal percentage, with the edge going to Long Beach.

The 49ers only turned the ball over seven times, while the Anteaters coughed it up 10 times.

In blocked shots, the Beach pulled away with a 4-1 edge, as well as fouls with a 26-18 edge, while the Anteaters led the steal category with a 5-1 tally.