Saturday’s second game in as many days between Long Beach State men’s basketball and Cal State Fullerton looked a lot like Friday’s game with one big difference.
Just like Friday, LBSU took an early lead on Saturday thanks to hot shooting and strong defense. And just like Friday, Fullerton came all the way back in the second half. The Beach was able to hold off the Titans on Friday, but Fullerton used offense rebounds and free throws to edge LBSU 75-52 in overtime.
LBSU (3-4, 2-2) had a shot to win the game at the end of regulation, and two shots to tie the game at the end of overtime, but couldn’t find the necessary crunch-time bucket.
LBSU freshman Jadon Jones scored a career-high and game-high 17 points with 14 points coming in the first half as the Beach took a 33-21 at halftime.
Fullerton (2-3, 1-3) opened the second half on a 31-10 run to take its first lead. The Beach trailed by as many as 11 points, but a pair of 3-pointers from guard Shaden Knight got LBSU back into the game to force overtime.
LBSU guard RJ Rhoden also had a career-high 12 points, while transfer point guard Isaiah Washington chipped in 16 points with nine assists. Forward Trevor Irish continued his hot run of late and had a career-high 12 rebounds to go with two blocks and six points.
LBSU hosts Cal State Northridge on Friday and Saturday. Both games are scheduled for 4 p.m.
