Long Beach State (+3.5) at LMU - 7:00pm Pacific - Game #555-556
The 49ers have played very well during current four game win streak. During the streak they have won two games on the road and have covered 2 of 3 lined games which should have been 3 of 3 if not for late collapse vs Pepperdine. Starting guard Kejuan Johnson, arguably the team's best all around player, missed 3 1/2 games with a broken nose and the team struggled without him, but he has returned for last three games and has been better than ever averaging 16.6ppg, 4.6apg, 3.0spg, and 4.3rpg. Long Beach is a completely senior dominated team. All five starters and two key reserves are seniors. Head coach Larry Reynolds appears to have tightened his rotation in recent games letting the seniors determine the success of the team. Long Beach's speed and quickness gave LMU a lot of problems last year in a 93-85 win.

LMU is now 5-0 at home, but three of those wins came by a combined 7 points, and they were extremely fortunate to pull out wins over New Mexico State and Boise State thanks to an array of circumstances. Starting guard Brandon Worthy suffered two seperate injuries in the second overtime of Tuesday's win over Boise State. He first suffered what appeared to be a back injury then re-entered the game in the final minute to suffer what appeared to be a serious knee injury. He was unable to put any weight on his left leg and was taken to the locker room immediately. As of this writing there has not been any news (official or unoffcial) reports of his injury and the line has not been adjusted, but I am next to certain that he will not be available to play in this game. Worthy not only leads the team in scoring but is also second in rebounds, steals, and assists. He averages 35.5 minutes per game and is the indespensible leader of this team. LMU may also be without reserve guard John Ziri who sat out last game with a concussion and is questionable tonight. If Ziri cannot play, LMU would be left with just three guards, one starter who shoots .268, a true freshman, and a former walk-on. I would estimate Worthy's absence to be worth a 4-5 point difference in the line, which presents solid value on Long Beach State plus the points. Expect the 49ers to win this outright.

RAS Official Play: Long Beach State +3.5 1 UNIT


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