Long Beach Gets Past San Jose State

Rudy Harvey, who can perform a 540-degree dunk, was driving alone for the basket with just over two minutes to play Thursday night and Cal State Long Beach’s lead down to one point.

Harvey disappointed the 1,785 fans in the University Gym only slightly. He did a 360-degree dunk that put a stop to San Jose State’s comeback, and the 49ers went on to an 84-80 Big West Conference victory.

“People have been asking me why I don’t do something spectacular,” Harvey said. “That’s what was going through my mind.”

Kenne Young, San Jose’s center, congratulated Harvey after the game and asked, “Why didn’t you do the 540?”

Harvey, who had never even done a 360 in a game, laughed and shook his head. He said that he would never try a 360, let alone a 540, unless the team had a safe lead.

Harvey’s dunk, which was set up by Tyrone Mitchell’s steal, put the 49ers ahead, 77-74.

Lucious Harris hit a three-point shot with 1:10 left to make it 80-74, but San Jose’s Troy Batiste was fouled on a three-point basket and made the free throw for a four-point play.

Kevin Cutler made two free throws with 47 seconds remaining. Long Beach’s victory was assured when Tom Desiano missed a three-point shot.

Cutler had his best game of the season with 28 points, 14 rebounds and four blocked shots. He had been averaging only 8.5 points in his past four games.

Harris ended up with 18 points.

The 49ers, 17-7 and 9-6 in conference play, have won four consecutive games. It was the second time this season that San Jose (7-17, 4-11) had battled the 49ers to the final seconds.

Young led San Jose with 17 points.