Pacific Tigers Rally to Defeat Long Beach State 69-66

Elias Ralph and Alexis Marmolejos each scored 15 points, leading the Pacific Tigers to a narrow victory over Long Beach State with a final score of 69-66 on March 15, 2025. The game, held in Stockton, California, showcased a spirited performance from both teams, but Pacific’s second-half surge proved decisive.

Ralph contributed significantly by grabbing nine rebounds, while Marmolejos added seven rebounds to his tally. For Long Beach State, Gavin Sykes emerged as the top scorer, netting 20 points along with seven rebounds. His performance, however, was not enough to secure a win for The Beach, who fell to 0-3 for the season.

The first half saw Long Beach State leading 30-25 at the break, as Pacific struggled to find their rhythm. Clayton contributed nine points in the opening period but could not help his team maintain the lead.

Pacific’s comeback began in the second half with a remarkable 10-0 run that turned a six-point deficit into a 58-54 advantage with just 4:02 left on the clock. Ralph’s scoring burst in the second half, including 10 pivotal points, was crucial in maintaining the lead and eventually sealing the victory for the Tigers.

In addition to Ralph and Marmolejos, Pacific benefited from balanced scoring, which helped them secure their second win of the season, improving their record to 2-1. Long Beach State’s Isaiah Lewis and Shaquil Bender also contributed significantly, scoring 14 and 13 points respectively, with Bender also recording two steals.

Looking ahead, Pacific will face CSU Fullerton on the road this Saturday, while Long Beach State will host Illinois State on Sunday as they seek to secure their first win of the season.

This matchup not only highlighted individual talents but also showcased the competitive spirit of college basketball, drawing in fans from both sides. The thrilling contest left spectators on the edge of their seats, illustrating why these matchups are vital in the early stages of the season.