One of the most celebrated senior classes in Long Beach State 49ers history went out in style on Senior Night Wednesday night, easily defeating the UC Irvine Anteaters 77-50 at Walter Pyramid. Long Beach State (22-7, 15-0 in the Big West Conference) led by as many as 31 points in the win, their 23rd consecutive Big West regular season victory and their 22nd straight home triumph.
Senior forward T.J. Robinson, the all-time leading rebounder in Big West Conference history, had 10 points and 12 rebounds for the 49ers, his 15th of the season and 53rd of his career.
Senior guard Casper Ware, the all-time leading assist man in Long Beach State history, had 16 points, four assists, and four steals on the night. Ware is also second all-time in school history with 202 steals.
Senior guard Larry Anderson, the all-time leader in steals in school history, added three steals (giving him 204 in his career) to go along with his seven rebounds, five points, and four assists.
Senior forward Eugene Phelps had 11 points and four rebounds on the night for Long Beach State, who shot 47.6% from the field on the night.
Mike Best scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead UC Irvine (11-18, 6-9), who shot just 31.7% on the night and committed 17 turnovers. Center Adam Folker added six points and nine rebounds for the Anteaters, who have lost three straight games to the 49ers.
Long Beach State needs only one more win on Saturday afternoon at Cal State Fullerton to wrap up its fifth undefeated conference season in school history, and the first since the 1973-1974 campaign.