Long Beach State secured a thrilling 76-72 victory over San Diego, fueled by a standout performance from freshman Gavin Sykes, who scored 30 points. The Beach showcased strong defense with a season-high 12 steals and excellent ball movement, recording 20 assists on 31 baskets. Despite trailing at halftime, Long Beach State mounted a strong second-half comeback, limiting San Diego to just four points in the closing minutes. Isaiah Lewis played a pivotal role, executing crucial steals and scoring key free throws to seal the win.
By the NumbersGavin Sykes finished with 30 points, becoming the first LBSU freshman since 1990 to score 30 in a game.Long Beach State recorded 12 steals and 20 assists in the match. Yes, But
San Diego briefly seized control of the game with a commanding 13-2 run in the first half, highlighting vulnerabilities in Long Beach’s defense before the Beach’s late-game adjustments turned the tide.
State of PlayLong Beach State improved to 2-6 on the season with this win.The team will face UC Santa Barbara and UC San Diego in upcoming Big West matchups. What’s Next
The Beach will look to build momentum in Big West play with critical games against UC Santa Barbara and UC San Diego next week, aiming for a strong performance against familiar rivals.
Bottom Line
This victory is a significant confidence boost for Long Beach State, showcasing their resilience and potential, especially with a freshman star like Gavin Sykes emerging as a key player.