PCAA Roundup : Catchings Makes It Long Night for Long Beach, 75-61

Ed Catchings came off the bench to spark Nevada Las Vegas to a 14-2 lead over Cal State Long Beach Saturday night, then he and his jump shot stayed around long enough to make sure the 49ers never caught up.

Catchings, a senior forward, scored 19 points as the Runnin’ Rebels won, 75-61, before 5,111 fans at the Long Beach Arena.

Catchings made up for a scoreless, one-rebound performance by starting forward Frank (Spoon) James.

“He was touring Disneyland or something,” Las Vegas Coach Jerry Tarkanian said of James.

Catchings scored 12 of his points in the first half to lead Las Vegas to a 39-28 halftime lead. Long Beach made only 26.9% of its first-half shots.

But Long Beach stayed in the game in the second half on five three-point shots by guard Morlon Wiley, who led the 49ers with 19 points.

“I voted for that rule,” Tarkanian said, shaking his head. “I might vote against it next time.”

Shots made from beyond 19 feet 9 inches are worth three points in the Pacific Coast Athletic Assn.

The 49ers cut the lead to 55-47 on Stafford Hamlin’s jump shot with 11:55 left, but could get no closer.

Catchings immediately hit a jumper, then added two free throws to extend the lead to 12.

The victory was the 14th straight for Las Vegas, which is 8-0 in the PCAA and 15-2 overall. The 49ers dropped to 0-8 and 2-14.

“I was apprehensive we might be in awe of them, but we were fairly competitive most of the game,” 49ers Coach Ron Palmer said.

The 49ers had trouble coping with the Rebels’ inside strength. Las Vegas blocked five shots.

“And they intimidated us on eight or nine others,” Palmer said. “We need players like they have.”

Las Vegas had four other players in double figures. Armond Gilliam scored 15 points, Fred Banks 13 and Richie Adams and Anthony Jones 12 each.

“We were sleepwalking, but we hung in there,” Tarkanian said. “Long Beach played really well and we didn’t play bad. That was our fourth game in eight days. Our kids have done a good job. I’m glad we’re getting out of here.”