Long Beach Falls to Purdue

Purdue’s Brian Cardinal, a 6-foot-8 freshman forward from tiny Tolono, Ill., had a big game Saturday night against Long Beach State.

Cardinal scored 15 of his 18 points in the first half and also had six rebounds and three assists in leading Purdue to an 86-71 victory in the Boilermaker Invitational championship game.

Although Long Beach State (3-2) got a game-high 25 points from guard James Cotton and 16 points and eight assists from guard Tommie Davis, the 49ers could not contain Cardinal, who made five of seven shots and eight of 11 free throws.

Cardinal scored six points during a pivotal 16-2 Boilermaker run after Long Beach State took an 8-2 lead.

The Boilermakers (4-2) led, 44-32, at halftime before a Cotton three-pointer and two Brandon Titus baskets pulled Long Beach State to within 57-48 with 12:49 left.

Purdue then began a 13-5 run, which produced a 70-53 advantage with 7:45 remaining.

Long Beach State shot 46% and was outrebounded, 39-34.

“We’ve given up too many offensive rebounds in all the games we’ve played,” Long Beach State Coach Wayne Morgan said.

“If we can correct that, our team will improve a great deal.”

Purdue junior guard Chad Austin matched Cardinal with 18 points.

Purdue made 24 of 33 free throws. Long Beach made nine of 17.

Purdue has won its tournament five years in a row.