For the first time this season, Long Beach State’s men’s basketball team no longer holds even a share of first place in the Big West Conference.
After playing 50 tough minutes against Pacific and getting the win, the 49ers played 50 again but fell short in double overtime to host UC Riverside, 73-70, on Wednesday night.
The loss drops LBSU to 12-11 and 7-4 in Big West play, one-half game behind Cal State Northridge, which beat Cal Poly Wednesday night.
The freshmen continued to excel for The Beach, as Larry Anderson netted a career-high 25 to go along with six rebounds. Stephan Gilling added 14 going 4-of-12 from 3-point range and reigning Big West Player of the Week T.J. Robinson scored 13 points and pulled down seven rebounds.
Long Beach had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation but Greg Plater’s shot missed and Anderson salvaged double OT with a shot just before the buzzer.
It was a two-man show for UCR (14-9, 6-5 Big West) as guard Aaron Scott recorded a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds while forward Kyle Austin scored 23.
Scott came into the night averaging just 8.7 points per game but he was big when it mattered most, tying the game at 57 in regulation and hitting the game-winner in double OT.
No other Highlander had more than two field goals.
LBSU had just eight assists versus 20 turnovers.
It was the fifth overtime game of the year for The Beach and fourth double OT affair. The 49ers are 2-2 when they play the extra 10 minutes.
Donovan Morris, LBSU’s leading scorer, missed his third game in the last four with a nagging right foot injury.
Long Beach led by five at intermission, 28-23.
The ‘Niners are off this weekend before traveling to Cal State Fullerton next Wednesday, Feb. 18 for a rematch with the Titans. Tip-off is at 6:05 p.m.