Long Beach State Vs San Diego State Basketball
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and Long Beach State and San Diego State are two of the most competitive teams in the country. The two schools have a long history of intense matchups, with both teams vying for the top spot in their conference. In this article, we will take a closer look at Long Beach State Vs San Diego State Basketball and discuss what makes this rivalry so special.
The History of Long Beach State Vs San Diego State Basketball
The rivalry between Long Beach State and San Diego State dates back to 1970 when they first played each other. Both teams have a strong basketball tradition and have produced some of the best players in college basketball history. The rivalry has seen some epic battles over the years, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for every point.
The rivalry reached its peak in the 1980s when both teams were in the same conference. During this period, the two teams played some of the most exciting games in college basketball history. Many of the games were decided in the final seconds, and fans were always on the edge of their seats.
The Players to Watch
Both Long Beach State and San Diego State have a talented roster of players who are capable of changing the course of the game. For Long Beach State, the player to watch is senior guard Chance Hunter. Hunter is the team's leading scorer and has the ability to take over a game with his scoring ability.
For San Diego State, the player to watch is senior guard Jordan Schakel. Schakel is a deadly 3-point shooter and is the team's leading scorer. He has the ability to get hot from beyond the arc and can score points in a hurry.
The Coaching Matchup
The coaching matchup between Dan Monson of Long Beach State and Brian Dutcher of San Diego State is a fascinating one. Monson has been the head coach at Long Beach State since 2007 and has a wealth of experience in college basketball. He has led the 49ers to several conference championships and has produced some of the top players in the country.
On the other hand, Brian Dutcher has been the head coach at San Diego State since 2017 but has been with the program for over 20 years. He has helped lead the Aztecs to the NCAA tournament several times and has been instrumental in the team's success over the years.
The Venue
The venue for the Long Beach State Vs San Diego State Basketball game is also an important aspect of the rivalry. The game is usually played at the Walter Pyramid, which is located on the campus of Long Beach State. The Pyramid is one of the most unique arenas in college basketball and provides a great atmosphere for fans.
However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the game may be played at a neutral site or without fans. This will be a significant change for both teams as they are used to playing in front of a raucous crowd.
The Prediction
Predicting the outcome of the Long Beach State Vs San Diego State Basketball game is always a difficult task. Both teams are evenly matched, and the game could go either way. However, based on recent form and current rankings, San Diego State is the favorite to win the game.
The Aztecs are currently ranked higher in the national polls and have a more experienced roster than Long Beach State. However, anything can happen in college basketball, and Long Beach State will be looking to pull off the upset and prove the critics wrong.
Conclusion
Long Beach State Vs San Diego State Basketball is one of the most exciting rivalries in college basketball. The game is always highly anticipated, and fans are treated to some of the best basketball in the country. While the ongoing pandemic may change the way the game is played, one thing is for sure: the rivalry between Long Beach State and San Diego State will always be special.