Henry’s Bombs Help Gauchos Top 49ers

Conner Henry, who makes three-point shots as casually as most players make layups, hit four from long range to lead UC Santa Barbara to a 56-54 victory at Cal State Long Beach Thursday night.

Henry, who has made more than 50% of his shots from 19 feet 9 inches and beyond this season, scored 26 points as the Gauchos defeated the 49ers for the second time this month.

Henry, a 6-7 senior guard, also did well from more modest spots on the floor and at the free-throw line, but it was his long shots that kept the game out of the 49ers’ reach.

“I’m confident, so it’s a good shot for me,” Henry said.

Freshman Andre Purry was almost as much of a one-man show for the 49ers. He had 19 points--15 in the second half--and 10 rebounds.

The 49ers never led, but twice Purry cut the deficit to one late in the game.

But each time there was Henry to plague Long Beach, as he has done four times in the last two years.

“He’s had an outstanding career against Long Beach State,”49er Coach Ron Palmer said.

After Purry made a rebound shot to cut it to 45-44, Mark Hertenstein made only one of two foul shots to give the 49ers a chance to tie.

But Purry threw up an air ball, and Henry sank a three-pointer to give the Gauchos a 49-44 lead.

A three-pointer by Purry cut it to 53-52 with 1:17 left, but Henry came back with three free throws.

Long Beach is 5-15 overall and 1-8 in the Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. UC Santa Barbara improved its record to 9-10 and 4-6.