49ers Hang Tough with #6 Louisville

In the midst of arguably the most difficult nonconference schedule in the nation, the Long Beach State 49ers lost their second consecutive game, this time at the hands of #6 Louisville, 79-66.

There had been excitement going into this nationally relevant matchup, especially because of the 49er's upset of then-#9 Pitt two weeks ago.

Despite getting double-digit point totals from four starters, Louisville's Chris Smith scored 18 points and led the undefeated Cardinals to their sixth win. Long Beach State fell to 3-3 with the loss.

"We never put pressure on them to get a lead," said 49er coach Dan Monson in an interview with ESPN. "Our issue was turnovers. We played a little better in the second half, but 79 points is a lot to give up on the road."

Long Beach State has had their issues on the road previously this year, losing in overtime at San Diego State and falling to Montana 73-71 on Saturday.  Their only road win was the crowned jewel of the season, an 86-76 upset at Pitt.

The road doesn't get any easier for the 49ers, who will play at #14 Kentucky, #5 North Carolina, and #11 Xavier in coming weeks.  Long Beach State remains the Big West favorite, but could easily end up going into conference play with a losing record.

Next up for the 49ers is BYU Hawaii at home on December 2.