Long Beach State Feels Right at Home in 64-55 Win

Perhaps the Long Beach State men’s basketball team should take up permanent residence in the Pyramid.

For the second consecutive time, the 49ers followed a sleepover in their home arena with a victory, defeating Utah State, 64-55, Saturday night before 2,490.

The victory not only gave the 49ers (6-7 overall and 3-0 in the Big West Conference) consecutive home victories for the first time this season, but marked the first 3-0 conference start for Long Beach since the 1980-81 season.

“We wanted to reinforce the notion that this is our home,” said 49er Coach Wayne Morgan, whose team was 1-4 at the Pyramid before defeating Nevada on Thursday. “We’re together, we’re a family and this is our home.”

The 49ers were led by 6-foot-11 center Mate Milisa, who scored 20 points, including two key three-point baskets.

After the Aggies (7-6, 0-2) went on a 10-0 run and took a 47-45 lead with 8:55 to play--their first lead since 17-16--Milisa answered with a three-point basket that gave Long Beach the lead for good.

His three-point basket with 3:19 left gave Long Beach State a 55-49 lead.

Ramel Lloyd added 15 points and Antrone Lee 11 for Long Beach.

The 49ers don’t play at home again until Jan. 28. But when they do, Morgan said there will be no more Pyramid slumber parties.

And that’s fine with Lee.

“It’s good to hang out with each other at night,” he said. “But I don’t know if I want to do it again with all the snoring that goes on.”