Don’t Bother to Factor in Revenge

Don’t look for the revenge factor when the unbeaten Trojans play Long Beach State at the Sports Arena tonight, even though the 49ers came from 14 points down to win, 81-71, when the teams played last season.

“We’re not really living last year at all,” Coach Henry Bibby said. “We feel we have a totally different basketball team than we had last year in regards to players and players’ attitudes.”

Long Beach State is led by center Mate Milisa and guard Ramel Lloyd, a transfer from Syracuse, who average 16 points. Bibby said he considers the teams similar, their rosters filled with players who like a fast-paced game.

The coach unleashed a particularly effective zone defense against Nevada Las Vegas Friday but would not say if he has anything special planned for tonight’s game.

“I’m sure [Long Beach State Coach] Wayne Morgan is reading the papers, just like everybody else,” Bibby said, adding, “Can you find out how they are going to play us?”

TONIGHT vs. Long Beach State

7:30 p.m., FSW2

Site--Sports Arena.

Radio--XTRA (690).

Update--The 49ers are 1-2, having defeated Loyola Marymount and lost to Cal State Northridge and Pepperdine. They have won three of their last four games against USC.