November 28, 1998
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Romel Lloyd came off the bench to score 12 of his 18 points in the second half as Long Beach State withstood a comeback by San Diego State for a 75-70 victory Saturday.
Mate Milisa also had 18 points, including 16 in the first half when the 49ers built a 35-31 halftime lead. They increased their edge to 51-40 seven minutes into the second half before San Diego State rallied for 58-57 lead with 8:05 to go.
After the Aztecs went ahead on a three-point play by Myron Epps, Long Beach State (2-3) responded with a 9-1 surge over the next four minutes for a 66-59 edge.
Matt Watts scored 18 points to lead the Aztecs (0-5), who extended their worst start since going 0-7 to open the 1985-86 season.
Jeffrey Berokoff, who added 10 points and seven assists, scored all of the San Diego State points in a 7-2 run that moved the Aztecs within 68-66 with 1:36 left. But they could get no closer the rest of the way.
San Diego State went just 12 of 28 from the free-throw line, including a 3-for-14 showing by Vincent Okotie. Long Beach State converted nine of 11 attempts.
Long Beach State used a 10-2 run, including eight points by Milisa, to take a 19-11 lead with 10:20 before halftime.
The Aztecs closed to four points at halftime with two field goals in the final 10 seconds, concluding with a steal and layup by Donte Wilson.