Bracket Breakdown: Long Beach State
Looking ahead to next month, be wary of when you are filling out your brackets for the 49ers of Long Beach State. I'm sure you've heard about them or read about them. Unafraid to schedule anyone, the 49ers traveled to San Diego State, Louisville, Kansas and North Carolina- all Top 25s as of this week. LBSU wasn't able to pull off any upsets with these competitors, but they only lost to San Diego State by a bucket in overtime, lost to UNC by six, Kansas by eight and Louisville by 13. However, Long Beach was able to take down formerly-ranked teams Pittsburgh and Xavier away from home as well.
Their non-conference schedule has more than adequately prepared them for the rigors of Big West Conference play (where they are currently 12-0) and no team will want to see the 49ers as a double-digit seed in their side of the bracket come NCAA Tournament time. They have athleticism and depth, versatility and senior leadership. Point guard Casper Ware is the defending Player of the Year and a force on both ends of the floor. Larry Anderson is an athletic wing who can fill up the stat sheet and forward T.J. Robinson, despite a slender frame, can really score and rebound with the best of them.
When things are clicking, keep an eye on these guys.
By President Corey Ruff - 2 - 14 - 12
