LBSU freshman forward Leopold Levillain set a career-high of 10 points during The Beach’s 87-54 rout of Nobel University on Nov. 19 at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

After 312 days, Long Beach State men’s basketball snapped its program-worst and nation leading 19-game losing streak after defeating Nobel University 87-54 at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid on Wednesday, Nov. 19. 

“I don’t care what our record was in the past or any of that stuff,” LBSU head coach Chris Acker said. “This program is going to be really good when it’s all said and done and these guys are going to set the foundation for what that’s going to look like.” 

LBSU sophomore forward Petar Majstorovic led LBSU with 12 points in its 87-54 victory against Nobel University on Nov. 19 at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

It was a sloppy start to the first game at the newly named Pyramid, as both teams combined for 2-for-11 shooting in the first four minutes.

Coming out of a timeout, Acker adjusted his defense as The Beach (1-4) began to press full-court, leading to four turnovers in three minutes for the Knights (1-7).

“These guys decided that they want to take everything away from their opponent,” Acker said. “Our defense will be predicated on the mentality that these guys have every time they step out on the floor.”

LBSU senior guard Immanuel Lewis drives in looking to score during The Beach’s first victory in 312 days on Nov. 19 at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

The strong defensive mindset led to offense for The Beach, as they capped off a 9-0 run with a transition layup by LBSU sophomore guard Christian Jones, extending their opening lead to 12-2.

Nobel began the game 1-for-8 before finding a rhythm offensively, going on a 12-4 run while shooting an efficient 45% to cut a 13-point LBSU lead to three at 27-24.

Back-to-back layups from Leopold Levillain gave The Beach a 31-24 first half lead, as the freshman forward led LBSU in scoring at half with six. 

LBSU’s offense came out of the break scorching hot, as four different scorers contributed to a 11-2 run as the Knights came out frozen, shooting 1-7 to begin the second half.

Suffocating defense from The Beach was on full display after the fourth straight Knight turnover led to a steal and dunk for Shaquil Bender, as Nobel finished with 21 turnovers on the night.

LBSU graduate guard Shaquil Bender added nine points along with four assists in The Beach’s rout of Nobel University on Nov. 19 at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Finishing with 56 points in the second half, The Beach offense dominated as they shot 50% from the floor, with every player who touched the floor for LBSU scoring. 

In the win, LBSU freshman guard Gavin Sykes continued to find early success as he finished his third-straight game with double digit points, scoring 10 in 19 minutes. 

“It’s really just listening to a lot of the older guys and the coaches…they really just give me confidence, everyday I’m working as hard as I can,” Sykes said.

Having four different scorers in double digits, The Beach hope to continue the offensive success as they still look to end their 19-game losing streak against NCAA Division I opponents, having the chance to do so against Montana State on Friday, Nov. 21 at home.