The Pacific Tigers secured a thrilling victory over Long Beach State with a final score of 69-66 on March 15, 2024, in Stockton, California. The win improved Pacific’s record to 2-1, while Long Beach State fell to 0-3.
Elias Ralph and Alexis Marmolejos each contributed 15 points for Pacific, showcasing their scoring prowess. Ralph also collected nine rebounds, while Marmolejos added seven rebounds to his tally. The tandem’s performance was pivotal as the Tigers overcame a first-half deficit to claim victory.
Key Performances Propel Tigers to Comeback
Long Beach State was led in scoring by Gavin Sykes, who netted 20 points and secured seven rebounds. His efforts kept the Beach competitive throughout the game. Isaiah Lewis and Shaquil Bender also made significant contributions, scoring 14 and 13 points respectively, with Bender adding two steals to his performance.
The game commenced with a tightly contested first half, where Long Beach State maintained a slight edge. The Beach went into halftime leading 30-25, putting pressure on the Tigers to respond in the second half.
Pacific made a decisive move after halftime, launching a 10-0 run that turned a six-point deficit into a 58-54 lead with just over four minutes remaining. Ralph was instrumental during this stretch, scoring 10 points in the second half, helping his team maintain momentum.
Upcoming Matchups
The Tigers will look to build on this momentum with their next game against CSU Fullerton on Saturday. Meanwhile, Long Beach State is set to host Illinois State on Sunday, hoping to secure their first win of the season.
As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to refine their strategies and enhance their performances in upcoming matchups. The Pacific Tigers’ ability to rally and secure a close victory demonstrates their resilience and determination, setting an exciting tone for the remainder of the season.
