Cotton Has Long Beach Puffed Up

Winning and looking good doing it, Long Beach State is in a groove. Guard James Cotton is too, and that’s not a coincidence.

Cotton continued his torrid play Wednesday night, scoring a game-high 27 points to lead Long Beach past UC Santa Barbara, 76-54, in a Big West Conference opener before 3,085 at the Pyramid.

“We just wanted to come out and make a statement that Long Beach is no joke,” said Cotton, who tied his career high. “I’ve been more assertive offensively, and we’re getting to where we need to be.”

Cotton has scored at least 25 points in each of the last three games--all Long Beach victories. Long Beach (6-3) has won six of its last seven games. Long Beach also beat Santa Barbara (3-6) for the fourth time in a row.

“They totally dominated us,” Gaucho Coach Jerry Pimm said. “Maybe tonight wasn’t the best game to judge them on because we didn’t play well, but I think they are a very good team.”

Long Beach held large double-digit leads throughout the second half. A 25-foot three-pointer by Cotton with 13:33 to play gave Long Beach a 59-32 lead and seemed to crush Santa Barbara’s slim hopes.

The 49ers led by as many as 30 three times in the second half.

Forward Akeli Jackson continued his strong play, getting 14 points and 10 rebounds. Long Beach outrebounded Santa Barbara, 51-27.

Guard Lelan McDougal led the Gauchos with 20 points.