The Long Beach State 49ers recorded more turnovers than assists, shot 27-70 from the field and sent UC Davis to the free-throw line 37 times (they would convert 28).  It would have been difficult for the Lakers to have beaten the Aggies with those numbers.

But despite the lopsided statistics, the 49ers were right in the game until UC Davis guard Vince Oliver nailed a three-pointer to give the Aggies a four-point lead with just 1:03 remaining.  Beach guard Casper Ware turned the ball over on the crucial ensuing possession, turning the game over to Davis for an 82-76 victory.  Oliver scored 33 points on the night, while the 49ers allowed the Aggies to score 51 in the second half.

“I didn’t feel like we came ready to play,” said 49er head coach Dan Monson.  “We just didn’t have a good mental awareness tonight.”

Monson added that his team made many mental errors – especially on defense – and that “the freshmen played like freshmen,” referring to the four young 49ers that often fuel the team.  Those four freshmen, though, each logged an average of thirty minutes and played the entire final thirteen minutes of the game together.  Long Beach’s top four scorers were those same four freshmen, and they were also the team’s top four rebounders.

T.J. Robinson led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Larry Anderson added 18 and 10.  Eugene Phelps nearly missed a double-double himself with 9 and 9.

Of more concern was the rest of the team, which shot a collective 4-25 from the field.  Senior leading scorer Donovan Morris did not start but played 13 minutes, noticeably hindered by a foot injury sustained last week that has forced him into limited action.  Morris shot 1-8 from the field and finished with 5 points.  

“Obviously, I can’t really push off the way I want to,” Morris said.  He said he is not sure how long the injury will linger or if there is a possibility that it could worsen.  He did say that the 49ers need to find answers to their recent conference woes.  And fast.

With the loss, Long Beach has dropped three straight at home, and three out of the last four.  The 49ers are now tied for first place in the Big West Conference with Cal State Northridge.  Fullerton is a half-game behind, while Pacific is a full game out of first.  Long Beach State will host Pacific this Saturday.