The562’s coverage of Long Beach State athletics for the 2024-25 season is sponsored by Marilyn Bohl.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach State Basketball is sponsored by CSULB Distinguished Alumnus Nelson Farris.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach State men’s basketball for the 2024-25 season is sponsored by Arline & Mike Walter.
The first game of the Chris Acker era is tonight as Long Beach State men’s basketball hosts La Verne at Walter Pyramid. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The style Acker wants to play with 12 new players is defense-first and the Beach showed how willing they are to make that a priority when they beat CalTech in an exhibition last week.
“Defensively we wanted to set the tone,” Acker said. “We took care of the 3-point line and I think that’s going to be a pillar for us all season by defending the 3-point line and making every possession tough on our opponents.”
Transfer center Christian Richardson is a trie seven-footer who had a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds against CalTech. Point guard Devin Askew added 16 points with seven assists. The Beach forced 26 turnovers while holding the Beavers to 21.7 percent shooting.
“We switch everything, so it’s about being in the right spot,” forward Derrick Michael Xzavierro said. “Then the offense will come by itself if I lock in and rebound on defense to get us going.”
La Verne is a NCAA Division III member that went 6-18 last season. La Verne also has a local representative with senior and Long Beach Poly alum Dahmaj Warren.
