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Long Beach State comes back to Southern California after losing all three games on a long distance roadtrip. The 49ers visited Wichita State, North Carolina and Louisville on their trip and lost by at least 26 in all three games.
Long Beach State is lead by Justin Bibbins and Gabe Levin who were both named to the Preseason All-Big West team. But, it’s been the freshmen that probably have 49er fans happy.
Jordan Griffin has averaged 5.3 points per game and he’s most dangerous from long distance where his 35.7 percent 3-point percentage is best on the team. Javonntie Jackson has made an immediate impact and has started all four games so far. He is averaging 3.8 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Loren Jackson has averaged 16.5 minutes per game backing up Bibbins at the point and redshirt freshman LaRond Williams leads the team with four blocks and has averaged while scoring 3.75 points per game.
While Levin had led the 49ers with 13.3 ppg, junior Evan Payne, a transfer from Loyola Marymount is second with 10.8 ppg.
Tonight could be UCLA’s best yardstick so far. As LBSU has already played two Top Ten opponents in North Carolina and Louisville and, while Wichita State may not be in the Top 25 yet, they’ve certainly drawn national attention to their program.
So, look for UCLA to win tonight by at least 25 points. If the 49ers give the Bruins a much closer game, like last year’s 83-76 affair, it might be an indication that UCLA is a little overrated.
#16 UCLA Bruins (3-0)
Opponent: Long Beach State 49ers (0-2)
When: Sunday, November 20, 2016, 7:00 pm PT
Where: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA
Game Notes:
TV: Pac-12 National and Los Angeles with Jim Watson and Don MacLean
Stream: Pac-12.com and the Pac-12 No App
Radio/Audio:
- 570 AM in Los Angeles with Josh Lewin and Tracy Murray
- Sirius 145 and XM 197 (UCLA Feed)
- And, of course, the Bruins Nation Game Thread!
Live Stats: UCLA Bruins Stat Broadcast
Go Bruins!