Long Beach State, “The Beach,” as the locals call it, is off to a CSUN-like start. The 49ers are unbeaten (4-0) in the Big West Conference despite having been picked to finish next to last by the coaches of the California-based league.

The Matadors beat LBS twice last season, including an 82-78 grinder on the road. Last season’s leading-scorer for the 49ers, Donovan Morris, is once again at the top in points, averaging 16.7 ppg.

CSUN was also snubbed by coaches in 2007-08 and was picked to finish sixth. The Matadors ended winning a share of the Big West title.