Big Second Half Propels Long Beach State

Tony Darden scored 15 of his career-high 21 points in the second half, including three three-point baskets, as Long Beach State defeated Alabama State, 74-55, in the America’s Youth Classic at McArthur Court on Friday at Eugene, Ore.

James Williams added 16 points, eight rebounds and five steals for the 49ers (2-0). Ron Johnson had 14 points and five rebounds.

Joey Ball scored 16 to lead the Alabama State (0-2), but had to leave the game after suffering a sprained right ankle.

Ball ended a sloppy first half with a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Hornets a 33-30 halftime lead, but Long Beach State pulled away in the second half on the strength of a 35-6 run.

Both teams combined for 29 turnovers in the first half but committed only 12 in the final 20 minutes.

Nine of the 10 Long Beach State players that played grabbed at least one rebound as the 49ers outrebounded the Hornets, 39-26.

Today, Long Beach State will take on Oregon, which beat Alabama State, 92-52.

Jerry Green scored a game-high 22 points as UC Irvine rallied for a 71-64 victory against St. Mary’s in the season opener for both teams at Bren Events Center.

Jordan Harris had 18 points, 12 in the second half, for the Anteaters.

Paul Marigney scored 15 points for St. Mary’s, which has lost 21 consecutive games over two seasons.

The Gaels held a 57-51 lead with 8:09 to play before Irvine went on a 15-0 run to surge ahead, 66-57, with 2:32 left.