TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1999

Wade smashes San Luis Obispo Mustangs

By John Putman

On-Line Forty-Niner

The Long Beach State women's basketball team finally put together a conference victory on the road on Sunday, thrashing Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 87-51.

The victory was only the team's second on the road this season, with the other being a two-point victory over University of San Diego on Dec. 30th.

It was a tale of two extremes, with the 49ers (6-3, 12-8) shooting extremely well and the Mustangs (8-12, 2-7) shooting themselves out of the game.

Long Beach State shot 51% from the field (36-71) and made 11 of 12 free throws, while the Mustangs shot just 31% (19-61), including only four of 17 three-point shots.

The 49ers opened up a 19-point-lead at half-time and never looked back. They were led by Kesha Wade, who scored a game high 20 points, Rhonda Smith, with 16 and Charel Bailey, with 15.

Mandy Jacques made three-of-four three-point field goals and Reta Sula contributed seven assists.

The lone bright spots for the Mustangs were forward Caroline Rowles, who scored 17 points, and center Stephanie Brown, who had eight points and nine rebounds.

Guard Sherilyn Frazier made just one of 10 shots and Lydia Reiner made just two-of-nine off the bench.

The win moves the 49ers into sole possession of second place in the Western Division of the Big West Conference.

The team had been tied with Pacific, which lost to division leading University of California, Santa Barbara, 84-76.

The 49ers will carry some needed momentum into their rematch with Santa Barbara on Friday night at The Pyramid.