LBSU holds off Cal Poly

The Beach held off a spirited attempt by the Mustangs and won 63-60 Thursday night to claim at least a top two finish in the Big West after winning just three games in the conference last season.

For a team that won six games in 2007-2008 and went just 1-15 on the road, the 'Niners ran their record to 15-13 and captured their sixth road win of the season.

The win guarantees them a spot in the semifinals of next week's Big West tourney leaving them just two wins away from the big dance.

Donovan Morris had 17 off the bench, making clutch plays down the stretch, while T.J. Robinson added 13 and Larry Anderson and Stephan Gilling had 10.

The re-emergence of Morris gives the team a veteran presence and leadership that has been lacking despite the tremendous play of the freshman.

LBSU overcame a rough night shooting the ball in beating a team that had nothing to play for.

At 3-11 in the Big West coming in Poly was already eliminated from postseason contention.

What's particularly interesting is the way the match-ups could fall in Anaheim. If seeds hold LBSU would get Pacific in the semi-finals (a team they beat twice) and avoid Riverside (a team they lost to twice) until the finals if the Highlanders upset Northridge.

Box Score

Big West Standings

CSUN (11-4)

LBSU (10-5)

Pac  (9-6)

UCR  (7-8)

UCSB (7-8)

CSUF (7-8)

UCI  (7-8)

UCD (7-9)

Poly (3-12)