What it’s going to take: a Southland primer

Long Beach State enters the NCAA tournament this week after ending Pacific’s four-year dominance of the Big West Conference. Their appearance in the tournament is a reminder that Southland teams from the Big West and West Coast conferences can, indeed, make a run at a tournament berth. Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount have been snookered behind Gonzaga for most of the last decade, but the Bulldogs showed signs of cracking this season, giving all of Southern California’s mid-major programs hope. Here’s a look at where each stands and its outlook for a tournament berth:

CAL STATE FULLERTON (20-10)

* What Titans have: A solid nucleus of players return, led by forward Scott Cutley, an all-conference selection. Sixth man Marcus Crenshaw is a dynamic scorer who led the team in three-point baskets. Junior college transfer Adam Thomas, a 7-foot-2 center, joins the team next season.

* What Titans need: A point guard to replace Bobby Brown, the school’s all-time leading scorer.

* Forecast: Should be among the favorites for the Big West title next season.

CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE (14-17)

* What Matadors have: A deep frontcourt with forwards Jonathan Heard and Calvin Chitwood, the two leading scorers, returning. Guard Rob Haynes, No. 3 on the team in scoring, will provide backcourt stability.

* What Matadors need: A big man to replace 6-10 center Thomas Shewmake, who averaged 10.5 rebounds over the last eight games. A true point guard.

* Forecast: With 11 lettermen returning, the Matadors could contend next season.

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT (13-18)

* What Lions have: Derrick Martin, the West Coast Conference player of the year, will return. Seven-foot freshman Max Craig could develop into a good post player.

* What Lions need: Scoring. The Lions are losing almost 70% of their offense, including Matthew Knight, a two-time all-conference selection.

* Forecast: It’s back to rebuilding mode for the Lions.

PEPPERDINE (8-23)

* What Waves have: Kingsley Costain, a 42% three-point shooter. A good recruiting class. Vance Walberg, a first-year coach with a history of producing winners.

* What Waves need: More offense to replace the three departing starters who accounted for 50% of the team’s points.

* Forecast: Give Walberg three years and he should have a contender.

UC IRVINE (15-18)

* What Anteaters have: Three returning starters, led by leading scorer Patrick Sanders and leading rebounder Darren Fells. Two Big West all-freshman guards in Michael DeCasas and Michael Hunter.

* What Anteaters need: Backcourt depth and a consistent three-point threat.

* Forecast: Still a couple of years away.

UC RIVERSIDE (7-24)

* What Highlanders have: Junior guard Larry Cunningham, the leading scorer at 13 points a game. B.J. Visman, a 6-8 power forward, will return from injury.

* What Highlanders need: A coach. David Spencer, on medical leave for most of this season, announced he wouldn’t return. A rebounder -- the Highlanders were out-rebounded by six a game.

* Forecast: Not a contender in the foreseeable future.

UC SANTA BARBARA (18-11)

* What Gauchos have: Guard Alex Harris, the Big West’s leading scorer this season. Chris Devine, a forward who was among the conference’s top 10 in scoring and rebounding.

* What Gauchos need: Depth. Six players averaged 22 minutes or more. It caught up during a late-season, four-game losing streak and a blowout loss in the conference tournament.

* Outlook: Four returning starters from a team that made a run this season means they should be among the favorites next season.

--PETER YOON