Long Beach State is set to conclude the regular season with a challenging stretch as they play three of their final four games on the road. Following a dramatic shootout loss to Cal Poly, the Beach will continue their road journey on Saturday against Cal State Bakersfield, with the game scheduled to tip off at 6:30 p.m. at the Iccardo Center in Bakersfield, California.
In recent games, freshman standout Jaden Sykes has made headlines by surpassing the legendary Lucious Harris to break the Long Beach State freshman scoring record. Sykes achieved this milestone with a remarkable 28-point performance against Cal Poly, and he is now eyeing the potential for a historic 500-point season as he approaches the end of his inaugural year. He previously scored 34 points in a victory over CSUN, making him the first freshman since Harris in 1990 to accomplish such a feat. Sykes has become a leading figure for the team, averaging 18.0 points per game, and has been recognized as the Big West Player of the Week, marking him as the first honoree from Long Beach State this season.
The team has also benefitted from contributions by sophomore transfer Mladen Majstorovic, who leads in rebounds while averaging 14.8 points per game. Majstorovic has excelled, registering multiple double-doubles throughout the season. Meanwhile, graduate transfers Noah Bender and Xzavierro “DMX” Johnson are approaching personal career milestones, each needing just a few points to reach the prestigious 1,000 career points mark.
Long Beach State’s roster reflects significant changes, with a rebuild phase bringing in 13 new players while retaining just one returning player. This transition has led to a notable improvement in returning points, minutes, and rebounds, showcasing the team’s resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges of the season, including a tough previous overall record of 7-25, the hard work and enhancements have positioned them favorably as they finish strong.
The upcoming game against Cal State Bakersfield is a crucial opportunity for Long Beach State to build momentum as they near the conclusion of the season. With key players performing at an elite level, the Beach aims to demonstrate their growth and tenacity on the court. With positive energy, the team is prepared to face their opponents, hoping to generate crucial victories that can resonate into next season and beyond.