Long Beach State took the “L” in a 20-point loss to Notre Dame Thursday night, but the game could prove to be a valuable learning experience for the young squad.
The 49ers’ fast-paced style of play clearly had an effect on the Fighting Irish, and it even led to a 24-20 lead for LBSU at one point in the first half. The ‘Niners then had a lapse of intensity to start the second half, which had also been the case for the first two games, only this time it cost them.
Notre Dame went on a quick 13-2 run, and before the 49ers could blink, they were down, 50-37.
The second half may have been a different story if LBSU was playing in the friendly confines of the Walter Pyramid, but in somebody else’s house, it became too tough a hill to climb.
One key to the 49ers tailing off in the second half was sheer fatigue. The Beach played this game like it was a mid-season affair with a rotation of only seven players for most of the contest. The rotation, as well as playing a press defense for a large part of the first half, led the 49ers to play on their heels for the second period.
Regardless of the score, the signs of a team progressing were evident on Thursday night.
Through the first 20 minutes, LBSU looked like a team that wasn’t scared, and maybe more importantly, a team that belonged. The high-profile Big East opponent didn’t appear to faze the ‘Niners, and that is a mentality they must carry into the rest of the season.
Sophomore Eugene Phelps was able to hold his own against a preseason All-American, Luke Harangody, in the paint. For the first time this season, Phelps was really able to flex his muscle inside — he had 18 rebounds — and managed to stay out of early foul trouble in 36 minutes of floor time.
Larry Anderson was able to remain calm through high-pressure situations, when one would almost expect to see a sophomore team-leader struggle. Anderson’s efficient 20-point effort, 16 of which came in the first half, speaks volumes for the 6-foot-6 guard’s maturity.
While LBSU wasn’t able to contain Harangody — he had 29 points and 12 rebounds – the team was able to frustrate Notre Dame’s leading scorer on numerous occasions. This could give the 49ers confidence as they will play even more highly-touted players this season.
Thursday’s game turned into somewhat of a reversal for The Beach, as they were able to out-rebound the Irish (33-32), but went cold from behind the arc (4-of-15). LBSU had been out-rebounded by its opponents in the first two games, and was better than its opponents from 3-point range in both games.
Upcoming games against ranked teams, starting with next week’s contest against No. 9 West Virginia, could prove to be interesting if LBSU can sustain its intensity over the span of an entire game.