The Long Beach State women’s basketball team continued its excellent start to the season with a strong defensive win over UC Santa Barbara, 61-49.
The Beach was without its most consistent offensive player in Naomi Hunt and struggled from the field, but played excellent defense to secure the win.
“You’re not going to put the ball in the hole every night, but if we can keep defending consistently we’ll give ourselves chances to win games,” said LBSU head coach Jeff Cammon.
The team improved its Big West record to 9-0, the best start to conference play the team has had in 15 years. Long Beach was led by Jasmine Hardy, who had 19 points and 14 rebounds in the victory.
“I liked that I could dominate the paint tonight,” said Hardy. “They weren’t as big so I was able to get to my spots inside.”
The Beach shot just 2/16 from 3-point range but held the Gauchos to 30% shooting in the game. Long Beach Poly alum Danae Miller played all 40 minutes for UCSB and had seven points and three steals.
“These are tough games, a lot of people look at the record and say ‘Oh you should beat them’ but that’s not the way it goes,” said Cammon. “Every game is different, every game is competitive.”
Justina King added 11 points and six assists for the Beach.
Long Beach State (10-1, 9-0) will host the Gauchos for a rematch Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.
PHOTOS: Long Beach State vs. UC Santa Barbara Women’s Basketball
