CS Long Beach Beats American, but It Isn’t Easy
For a young, unproven team such as Cal State Long Beach, a victory does not come without a struggle.
The 49ers shot 47% in the first half and found themselves with a rare 21-point lead over American University at intermission Friday night. But they did anything but coast to an 86-63 victory at the university gym.
Reverting to its season-long sub-40% shooting in the second half, Long Beach saw the lead dwindle to 67-60. Suddenly, though, the 49ers turned the last 3:47 into a blowout, making 13 of 14 free throws and outscoring the Eagles, 19-3.
The victory stopped a 3-game losing streak and improved the 49ers’ record to 3-6.
“It was a good win but certainly not an easy win,” Long Beach Coach Joe Harrington said. “I thought (American) would come back.”
The Eagles (4-3) came back despite 29 turnovers, 37% shooting and the absence of starting forwards Mike Sumner and Eric White, who left with injuries.
Long Beach guard Tyrone Mitchell had 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, while center John Hatten led the 49ers with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
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