Monday, January 25, 1999

Women's basketball triumps over Titans

By Wes Woods

On-Line Forty-Niner

It wasn't even close.

The Long Beach State 49ers crushed the Cal State Fullerton Titans by a score of 91-42 at The Pyramid on Friday.

Apparently, the fans knew as well. Only 656 showed up to watch the destruction.

Grabbing a total of 70 rebounds-the third highest total in Long Beach State woman's basketball history-while holding the Titans to just 33, the 49ers controlled the game from start to finish, never surrendering the lead.

"We just got annihilated on the boards both halves and that just killed us," said head coach Denise Curry. "When you give somebody that many second and third chances like we did, you get killed."

The Beach advanced their record to 9-6, 3-1 in the Big West. The 49ers are also undefeated at The Pyramid with a nine game winning streak that dates back to last season. The Titans fell to 2-14, with an 0-5 record in the Big West.

During the first half, sitting on a 24-15 lead-after a basket by Cal State Fullerton's Andrea Thieme-with 6:28 left to play, the 49ers called a time-out.

After the time-out, and two previous eight point runs in the first half, Long Beach state went on an amazing 21 point run to end the half with a 45-15 lead.

When the smoke cleared, the Titans shot a disastrous 6-of-21. They were out rebounded 37-14. Unfortunately, the second half wasn't much kinder.

Two made foul shots from Long Beach's Crystal Givens-giving freshman guard/forward Kristina Naumovic four personal fouls and a trip to the bench-16 seconds in the second half would further add to the Titans troubles. By the second half's conclusion, the Titans would make only 9-of-33 shots. Their game percentage was a paltry .278.

"Defensive pressure was the key," said Rhonda Smith.

Senior guard Jackie Moore put in 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting to go along with 11 rebounds. Center Rhonda Smith added 13 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.

Guard Crystal Hogan poured in 12, while guard Reta Sula contributed nine points with six assists.

Titan center Erin Whiteside scored 13 points along with nine rebounds. Guard Andrea Thieme put in 10 points with six rebounds and four assists.

Every 49er managed to score at least four points and three rebounds.

"They were all begging me to go back in at the end of the game," said head coach Dallas Boychuk.

Previously, the Titans had won three straight games against Long Beach State. The last was a 96-87 victory on Feb. 22, 1998 at The Pyramid.