Long Beach Women’s Team Plays Host to UNLV Tonight

Having struggled through its nonconference season, the Cal State Long Beach women’s basketball team has an opportunity to prove itself when the streaking Rebels of Nevada Las Vegas come to call tonight for a 7:30 game at University Gym.

The 49ers were picked by most at the start of the season to regain the Big West Conference title, but they have had trouble putting a consistent attack together.

Long Beach (6-4, 1-0) lost three consecutive games before opening conference play last Sunday by beating unranked New Mexico State. The 49ers have dropped from No. 12 to No. 22.

Senior forward Penny Moore, with her 15-point average, is out for two to four weeks with a knee injury and is being replaced by junior Vjera Kaludjerovich, who is averaging 7.6 points and 17 minutes.

Still, the 49ers will have three starters averaging in double figures, led by guard Dana Wilkerson with 16 points. And center Kari Parriott is coming off a career-high 34-point performance against the Aggies.

The Rebels, ranked No. 6, are 12-0, 3-0 in the Big West.