Fresh off a close loss at Cal Baptist with a very tough game looming at UCLA next week, the Long Beach State women’s basketball team wanted to put on a show for fans in the team’s home opener against Westcliff on Saturday. Long Beach State made quick work of their NAIA opponent, scoring 54 points off turnovers in a blowout double-up win, 94-57.
“Our defense is our identity,” said Long Beach State coach Jeff Cammon after the game. “We weren’t happy with some of the things we did against Cal Bap so that was a focal point of practice for us.”
Long Beach was dominant on the defensive end. After a 15-11 first quarter, the Beach started the second quarter on a 19-1 run, and turned Westcliff over 34 times in the game, with 21 steals.
The game was a nice return to the home court for junior guard Shanaijah Davison, a preseason All-Big West pick who was sensational as a freshman, but injured towards the end of last season.
“She’s been working her way back for seven months,” said Cammon of his star scorer, who came off the bench on a minutes restriction but still led with 21 points on 8/13 shooting.
Davison spent the last half year off the court, rehabbing and working on core strength, and learning the game from the sideline.
“Watching film, learning how to prepare, all of that helped today,” said Davison.
Jasmine Hardy had 16 points as well for the Beach, while Cydnee Kinslow had 13 and Ma’Qhi Berry had 10 points.
Long Beach State (1-1) will travel to UCLA on Thursday and then return to the Pyramid for a game with Utah State on Monday, November 18.
