LONG BEACH, Calif. – Tyler Johnson scored a career-high 19 points to lead Fresno State to a 64-59 win over Long Beach State on Monday night.
The Bulldogs (4-3) overcame a cold-shooting first half, when they shot 28 percent and trailed 31-25, by hitting 52 percent in the second half
James Ennis had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the 49ers (3-4). Long Beach made just 18 of 33 free throws in the game and shot 30 percent from the floor after halftime.
The nonconference rivals have already met once this season. On Nov. 25, Long Beach State won at Fresno 69-61. The schools were together in three different conferences from 1958-92. Until last week, they hadn't played since shortly after Fresno State left the Big West in 1992.
Long Beach State next hits the road to play No. 4 Syracuse on Thursday and No. 7 Ohio State on Saturday.
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