BYU at Long Beach State

Coach Dan Monson guided the 49ers to their first NCAA Tourney bid since 1995. The Niners’ finished at 24-8, but the cupboard is bare. The Niners’ have lost their top nine scorers from that team. The returnees contributed just 85 points total from a year ago. That means the returnees produced less than three points a game from a team that averaged 80+. Monson turned to the JUCO ranks to fill the void, but the bulk of this team not having even stepped foot on the court together until a few weeks ago will make for a long season in Long Beach. BYU is poised to make a run at the top of the Mountain West and build on last years 25-9 campaign. The biggest problem for Long Beach will be matching up with Trent Plaisted who is poised for a double-double season. Lee Cummard a 6’-6” talented G, will also give LB State problems, as well as 6’-6” swingman Tavernari. BYU has a lot of size, but they also have exceptional quickness to go with it and there will be advantages all over the court. This could turn into an ugly game as Long Beach State simply does not have any answers especially in game one of a season that may fall short of 10 wins.