View 7 more
Xavier center Kenny Frease, center, fights for a rebound while surrounded by Long Beach State players, from left, T.J. Robinson, Edis Dervisevic, and Larry Anderson during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Stan Sheriff Center, Thurs Marco Garcia, Associated Press
View 7 more
Xavier forward Jeff Robinson, left, blocks a shot from Long Beach State forward Eugene Phelps during the first half of ab NCAA college basketball game at the Stan Sheriff Center, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, in Honolulu. Marco Garcia, Associated Press
View 7 more
Long Beach State coach Dan Monson reacts to an official's call during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Xavier at the Stan Sheriff Center, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, in Honolulu. Marco Garcia, Associated Press
View 7 more
Xavier guard Tu Holloway directs his teammates during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Long Beach State at the Stan Sheriff Center, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, in Honolulu. Marco Garcia, Associated Press
View 7 more
Xavier forward Jeff Robinson goes up for a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Long Beach State at the Stan Sheriff Center, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, in Honolulu. Marco Garcia, Associated Press
View 7 more
Xavier head basketball coach Chris Mack reacts to an official's call during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Long Beach State at the Stan Sheriff Center, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, in Honolulu. Marco Garcia, Associated Press
View 7 more
Xavier center Kenny Frease makes a shot during the first half of the NCAA college basketball game against Long Beach State at the Stan Sheriff Center, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, in Honolulu. Marco Garcia, Associated Press
View 7 more
Long Beach State guard Casper Ware works the ball against Xavier during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Stan Sheriff Center, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, in Honolulu. Marco Garcia, Associated Press
By Associated Press

HONOLULU — Freshman Michael Caffey scored a career-high 14 points and Long Beach State defeated short-handed No. 14 Xavier 68-58 in the opening round of the Diamond Head Classic on Thursday night.

Caffey was one of five players in double figures for the 49ers (6-5), who handed the Musketeers (8-2) their second straight loss since a bench-clearing brawl Dec. 10 against Cincinnati that resulted in the suspension of four players. Caffey was joined by Casper Ware, Larry Anderson and Eugene Phelps, who each had 12 points.

The 49ers advance to Friday's semifinal and will face the winner of the Hawaii-Auburn matchup scheduled for later Thursday night.

View Comments

Long Beach State used aggressive defense and kept heavy pressure on Xavier's star point guard Tu Holloway, who returned from a one-game suspension.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.