Memphis Runs Pyramid Game on 49ers

Long Beach State Coach Seth Greenberg’s math was wrong, but his observation wasn’t.

“This was a four-minute game,” Greenberg said, referring to a six-minute first-half nose-dive that led to a 19-0 Memphis run as the Tigers gained control in an 82-73 victory over the 49ers Monday night before 8,521 at The Pyramid.

Despite 20 turnovers, 44.3% field-goal shooting and senior center Joe McNaull fouling out with only six points and one rebound, Long Beach State cut a 13-point deficit with 4:38 left to 71-69 with two minutes left.

Finally, Memphis made six of seven free throws to tag the 49ers (15-7) with the loss that snapped their eight-game win streak.

For the Tigers (20-7), it was their 17th consecutive victory at home.

Long Beach forward Terrance O’Kelley, with 13 points and 14 rebounds, did the best he could to make up for the absence of McNaull, who played 20 ineffective minutes. Reserve guard Eric Brown had 13 points despite 0-for-six three-point shooting.

McNaull’s early foul trouble was the source of Long Beach State’s downfall. The 49ers had led by as many as 10 points at 25-15 with 8:46 left in the first half after guard Tye Mays’ straightaway three-point jumper.

But McNaull’s foul problems trying to contain Memphis’ highly touted freshman center Lorenzen Wright forced the 49ers to switch from man-to-man defense to a 2-3 zone. That was a cue for Tiger reserve guard Leon Mitchell to make five consecutive three-pointers and help give Memphis a 40-29 halftime lead.