From LBSU reports

There may not have been much (actually anything) riding on it, but the exhibition matchup between Long Beach State’s women’s basketball team and Love and Basketball was still exciting, as LBSU dropped a narrow 65-64 matchup in its exhibition opener at the ‘Myd on Monday.  The 49ers took a late lead with 20 seconds remaining in the game, but Love and Basketball responded, with LeSheree Christian hitting the game-winner.

The story was junior forward Whitney Fields, who led The Beach with 12 points, while sophomore LaTorya Barbee and junior Lauren Sims each had nine. All of Sims’ points came from behind the arc as she was a perfect 3-for-3 from long distance.   But Fields also paced LBSU on the boards with 22 rebounds, the most by a 49er since Jayme Connors racked up 21 in 2005, giving her the evening’s only double-double. Courtney Jacob added a solid all-around performance with five points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals.

Danielle Rainey anchored a balanced Love and Basketball attack with a game-high 16 points. Tanisha Johnson chipped in 11 points, while Charlee Underwood and Alexis Kendrick rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10 apiece.

LBSU jumped out to an early 6-2 lead after a layup by Barbee at the 16:50 mark. Love and Basketball then went on a mini run to go up 7-6, but Sims quickly put the 49ers back on top, hitting back-to-back three-pointers with 13:23 left to play. After trading baskets, Love and Basketball started to surge ahead late in the period, taking an eight-point lead at the 1:17 mark. LBSU was able to get the final points of the half, however, as Fields put back one of her 11 offensive rebounds to cut the gap to 38-32 at the break.

The 49ers carried their momentum into the second half, going on an 8-4 run to regain the lead for the first time since the 8:59 mark of the first period. The game went back and forth from there with 13 lead changes and four tie scores. LBSU took a late 64-63 advantage with 20 seconds remaining when Fields stole an inbounds pass and was able to get the ball to Jacob, who found freshman Tipesa Moorer for the layup.

Love and Basketball then made its way down the court and with solid defense from the 49ers, Rainey missed a layup in the paint, but she was able to get her own rebound and called a 30-second timeout. It proved to be worthwhile as Christian hit a jumper out of the short break to put Love and Basketball up 65-64 with seven ticks on the clock.

LBSU had one last chance, but a length of the court pass from Melanie Lisnock was picked off and Love and Basketball was able to hold on for the win.

Long Beach State will open its regular season on Sunday, Nov. 16, when it welcomes San Diego State to the Walter Pyramid for a 2 p.m. (PST) showdown.