CS Long Beach Is Up to Pacific Challenge

Cal State Long Beach answered the University of the Pacific’s many challenges by making 13 of 15 free throws in the last five minutes Tuesday night to win a Big West Conference game, 81-75, in the 49ers’ gym.

Long Beach never trailed, improving its record to 8-2 overall and 1-1 in the Big West.

But Pacific, which fell to 7-4 and 0-2, was within range throughout.

The closest the Tigers came was 59-57 on a three-point shot by Dell Demps with 7:35 to play.

But 49er guard Lucious Harris responded with a three-pointer, and reserve guard Darrell Faulkner stole the ball to set up a layup by Tyrone Mitchell. On Pacific’s ensuing possession, it was Mitchell who stole the ball to set up a jumper by Faulkner.

That put the 49ers ahead, 66-57, with 5:46 left, but the Tigers nearly kept pace, responding with three-point baskets. Then the Long Beach free throws came into play.

Mitchell made five of the crucial free throws and center Mike Masucci added four.

After Reggie Ricks made a three-pointer to cut the 49er lead to 76-73 with 1:34 left, Masucci made two more free throws, and Mitchell followed with one to put the Tigers away.

Masucci and guard Harris each scored 18 points to lead the 49ers. Masucci scored 14 in the second half.

Demps had 22 for Pacific, which shot 40% from the field and committed 15 turnovers against the 49er press.

“We were sloppy with the basketball and made some bad decisions,” Long Beach Coach Joe Harrington said. “We missed a lot of easy opportunities early in the game.”

Harris, Mitchell and Masucci combined for 23 rebounds.