WSU vs. Long Beach State

[n.ogdencat]

Long Beach State played a fairly good game against BYU at the Marriot Center last friday. I think this is a great early season test for the Cats, and a great indication of how competitive the Cats will be on the road. The Wizard will know where his team is after Saturday Night. The Cats will get two shots at the 49ers this season, Saturday Night and again at the Dee in December. Long Beach didn't have the greatest season a year ago, but they were in the process of rebuilding, and should be much improved this season. Against BYU at the Marriot Center (opposing teams never have a legitimate shot when BYU only gets fouls called on them in the second half and the opposing team has something like 30 fouls to 15 by the end of the game) Long Beach shot the ball consistently and aggressively, their defense was somewhat soft. Long Beach has some great shooters... As long as the Cats can keep the Turnovers to a minimum and play the entire game like the last 15min of the Praire View game I'm sure Weber can play with anyone.

Weber State and Long Beach had a quasi rivalry in the 1970s...Weber States first victory in the Dee Events Center was in OT against Long Beach. Its good to be playing them again this season. Hopefully plyaing Long Beach again might resurrect some sort of a rivalry again. No matter what happens, I hope the Cats can get two W's against the 49ers.

 

[n.ogdencat]

Long Beach State is 0-2 with both loses happening on the road: BYU 75-65 and Wisconsin 68-61. Long Beach is led by Senior Donovan Morris (12.5 pts) and Jr. Cornel Williams (7.5 pts 42% 3pt). Long Beach is averaging 31.5 rebounds per game, .591 FT, .442 FG, & .325 3ptFG. The team has 8 guards on the roster and 7 Big Men (Two 7-0ers and a 6-10 guy). Donovan Morris averaged 21.5 pts per game during Big West league play and was selected to the All Big-West first team. Long Beach State is having a Tarkanian (coached Long Beach from 1968-1973) reunion at the Pyramid for the 49ers Home Opener against the Cats.

 

[Front51]

I think that WSU is looking good going into this game this weekend. Long Beach is a good team that will give the Cats some fits, but the Cats are talanted enough to go in there a get a victory. It is clear however, that if they are going to win they have to have fewer then 12 turnovers. That may be a little unreasonalbe, but it may be whave to do to what they have to do to win. The other key, and this is one that the team has not struggled with, is to win the rebound battle. They can not allow a lot of second chance points. The most important thing however is that Steve, Morris, and Mahoney do not get called for mulitiple moving screen fouls. Keeping the ball screen fouls down may be the biggest challange that this team faces this year.

Weber St 73
Long Beach 67

 

[wsucatfan]

Cold slump and hot shooting down the Cats after a huge lead in the second half. I think that the lack of experience and home cooking also hurt WSU, we need to grow up quick and learn to put teams away. Down the stretch the team did not quit though and got the game into overtime, but could not get the key stops to pull out a win @ long beach...