Atkinson Takes Over for 49ers

With the departure of guard Lucious Harris, now playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Long Beach State knew it would have to find a new go-to man this season.

Forward Mike Atkinson stepped into that role Friday night. The 6-foot-7 junior scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed five rebounds to lead the 49ers to an 82-58 victory over Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the Long Beach gym.

Atkinson gave Long Beach a quick 8-0 lead, making the first four shots of the game, all layups. Long Beach led, 16-4, after five minutes. Atkinson finished the half with 18 points as Long Beach took a 51-33 lead.

Long Beach had a 20-point-plus lead most of the second half, although it made only 22 of 41 free throws for the game. But the 49ers made 30 of 54 field-goal attempts.

“Atkinson really hurt us,” San Luis Obispo Coach Steve Beason said. “They were just too big and strong for our younger guys.”

The Mustangs, who will move up from Division II next season, were making the first of three consecutive appearances against Division I opponents.

Two other 49ers had career highs. Junior Terrance O’Kelley scored 12 points and added 12 rebounds, both personal bests, and senior guard Brian Camper had 20 points.

Center Leo Williams scored 12 points for San Luis Obispo, which outrebounded Long Beach, 43-42.