Pacific Tigers Edge Long Beach State 69-66 with Late Surge

The Pacific Tigers secured a narrow victory over Long Beach State, winning 69-66 in a thrilling college basketball matchup on March 15, 2024. Both Elias Ralph and Alexis Marmolejos contributed significantly, each scoring 15 points, while Ralph also grabbed nine rebounds, helping the Tigers improve to a record of 2-1.

Long Beach State, still searching for their first win of the season, fell to 0-3 despite a strong performance from Gavin Sykes, who led his team with 20 points and seven rebounds. Isaiah Lewis added 14 points, and Shaquil Bender contributed 13 points along with two steals.

The game started with a competitive edge, and Pacific found themselves trailing 30-25 at halftime. The Beach demonstrated their resilience, but the second half saw a shift in momentum. Pacific launched a decisive 10-0 run that erased a six-point deficit, taking a 58-54 lead with just 4:02 remaining. Ralph made a notable impact during this stretch, scoring 10 points in the second half, which ultimately propelled the Tigers to victory.

Pacific will look to build on this momentum in their next game against CSU Fullerton on the road. Meanwhile, Long Beach State aims to bounce back as they prepare to host Illinois State on March 18, 2024.

This matchup showcased the competitive spirit of college basketball, with both teams displaying determination and skill. The Pacific Tigers’ persistence in the second half was key to their success, marking an important milestone in their season.