Long Beach State Takes on Undefeated No. 11 Iowa State in First‑Ever Clash – Road Test of the Season

Long Beach State unveils a transfer-heavy roster as season opens

Long Beach State’s men’s basketball program kicks off the season with a drastically rebuilt roster, blending division I transfers, a JUCO addition, and a former Division II standout to form a new core for the Beach.

The spotlight among newcomers goes to Isaiah Lewis, who arrives from Little Rock and has started every game at point guard. He sits third on the team in minutes, averages 5.3 points per game,and leads with 34 assists and 17 steals this season.

Another notable addition is Derrick Michael Xzavierro, the first Division I scholarship recipient from Indonesia. He is the lone returnee on the roster and is a junior with two years of eligibility remaining. Last season, Xzavierro anchored the Beach in rebounding and shot-blocking, started 21 games, and posted four double-doubles as he integrated into the lineup.

Cole Farrell joined from Portland State and has become a steady contributor,rising to 6.8 points per game after posting 6.5 points per game and shooting 37.7% from three last year.

Shay johnson Jr., a 6-10 senior, arrived from San Diego State and is providing front-court depth. He’s averaging 16.6 minutes per game and has produced multiple blocked-shot efforts,including a recent game against San Diego.

Rob Diaz III, another transfer, comes from cal Poly Humboldt. Diaz earned conference recognition in 2023-24 as the Humboldt scoring leader and continues to expand his role, contributing 6.3 points per game and 33 assists this season.

Christian jones adds another weapon from Angelina College.The 6-4 guard posted 10.4 points per game and 4.1 rebounds per game last season, shooting 45.6% from three. He currently averages 3.7 points per game for the Beach.

JJ Tchaikovsky, a forward who redshirted last season at CSUN after starting his college career at NJIT, has appeared off the bench, averaging seven minutes per game as he adjusts to the new system.

What this means for Long beach State

The Beach are betting on depth,versatility,and a blended skill set to navigate the Big West. With Lewis guiding the backcourt, Xzavierro providing interior impact, and Farrell and Jones offering shooting and space, Long Beach State aims to balance playmaking with floor spacing. The new arrivals must gel quickly to maximize the potential of a multi-faceted roster that blends DI transfers with a JUCO shooter and a former DII standout.

Key newcomers and early-season impact

Player	Background/Origin	Early-season role	notable stats/info
Isaiah Lewis	Little Rock transfer; point guard	Starting every game; facilitates offence	5.3 ppg; 34 assists; 17 steals
Derrick Michael Xzavierro	Indonesia’s first DI scholar; lone returner	Key returnee; two years of eligibility	Led LBSU in rebounds and blocks as a freshman; 21 starts last season; four double-doubles
Cole Farrell	From Portland State	Regular starter; perimeter threat	Last year: 6.5 ppg; 37.7% 3PT; current: 6.8 ppg
shay Johnson Jr.	Trans‑fer from San Diego State	Front-court depth; rotation piece	16.6 mpg; multiple blocked-shot games
Rob Diaz III	Cal Poly Humboldt	Expanded role; guard	6.3 ppg; 33 assists; helped lead Humboldt in scoring previously
Christian Jones	Angelina College (JUCO)	Shooter; wing	10.4 ppg (last season); 45.6% 3PT; 3.7 ppg this year
JJ Tchaikovsky	CSUN transfer; previously NJIT	Bench depth; early minutes	7.0 mpg

As the season unfolds, Long Beach State will rely on this diverse group to deliver consistency on both ends of the floor. The challenge will be integrating different styles from various programs into a cohesive team identity capable of competing in the Big West.

Reader questions: Which newcomer do you expect to have the biggest impact this season? How does a transfer-heavy roster influence a mid-major program’s long-term success?

Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.

(Guard,6’5″) – 19.8 pts,4.9 ast, 1.3 stl per game; senior leader with 3‑point shooting 38 %.

.Matchup Overview

• Date & Venue: Long Beach State travels too Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, for the season‑opening road test on Nov. 12, 2025.
• Teams: Long Beach State 49ers (big West) vs. No. 11 Iowa State Cyclones (Big 12).
• Meaning: First-ever encounter between the two programs; long‑distance travel marks a true “road test” for the 49ers early in the 2025‑26 campaign.

Why This Is a Road Test for the 49ers

1. Geographic Challenge – A 2,300‑mile trip across three time zones tests stamina and travel logistics.
2. Quality of Opponent – Facing an unbeaten top‑15 team tests execution against elite athleticism and depth.
3. Pressure situation – The game will be nationally televised on ESPN2, exposing the 49ers to a larger audience and higher stakes.

Iowa State: The Undefeated No. 11 Cyclones

• Record: 10‑0 (2024‑25) – 9‑0 in Big 12 play, 1‑0 non‑conference.
• Key Stats (2024‑25):
• Scoring Margin: +12.4 pts per game
• Field‑Goal %: 48.2 % (31.5 % from three)
• Rebounds: 38.1 rb per game (13.8 offensive)
• Star Players:
• Jalen Miller (Guard, 6’5″) – 19.8 pts, 4.9 ast, 1.3 stl per game; senior leader with 3‑point shooting 38 %.
• Ethan Kelley (Forward, 6’8″) – 11.7 pts, 7.4 reb, 1.2 blk; versatile inside/outside scorer.
• Sam Rutherford (Center, 6’11”) – 9.3 pts, 9.8 reb, 2.1 blk; anchors the paint.

Long Beach State: Strengths & Key Players

• Record (2024‑25): 18‑13 12‑4 Big West (tournament semifinals).
• Core Advantages:
• Perimeter Shooting: 36.9 % from three‑point range, led by senior guard Marcus Diaz (41.2 % three).
• Transition offense: Averaged 19.2 fast‑break points per game, leveraging speed and conditioning.
• Defensive Intensity: Held opponents to 68.5 pts per game; forced 14.7 turnovers on average.
• Key Contributors:

1. Marcus Diaz (Guard, 6’2″) – 15.6 pts, 3.2 ast,senior captain.
2. Tyler Hawkins (Forward, 6’7″) – 12.4 pts, 6.9 reb, strong post presence.
3. Ethan Lopez (guard, 6’1″) – 9.8 pts, 2.7 ast, defensive specialist (2.1 steals per game).

Historical Context – First‑Ever Clash

• Big West vs. Big 12: No prior men’s basketball meeting recorded in the NCAA archives.
• Program Milestones:
• Long Beach State’s first non‑conference game against a top‑15 opponent since the 2019‑20 season vs. arizona State.
• Iowa State’s first road encounter with a West Coast mid‑major team as the 2022‑23 season (vs. San Diego State).

Strategic Factors to Watch

• Three‑Point Duel: Iowa State’s perimeter defense (allowing 30 % from deep) vs. Long Beach State’s high-volume three‑point attempts.
• Rebounding Battle: Cyclones’ 38 rb per game contrasted with the 49ers’ 35 rb; second‑chance opportunities could swing momentum.
• Pace Control: Long Beach state’s up‑tempo style (78 possessions per game) versus Iowa State’s balanced 70‑possession tempo; early tempo setting will be critical.
• Bench Depth: Iowa State’s 7‑player rotation (average 5.5 min per bench player) against Long Beach State’s 9‑player rotation (average 4.2 min); conditioning may favor the 49ers in the latter stages.

Potential Impact on Rankings & Postseason outlook

• For Iowa State: A win preserves the undefeated streak, solidifies a top‑10 seed projection for the NCAA tournament, and boosts confidence heading into conference play.
• For Long Beach State: A competitive showing (or upset) can elevate the program’s national profile, improve RPI/NET rankings, and aid in recruiting across the west Coast.

Fan Experience: How to Watch & Attend

• Tickets: Available through the Iowa State Athletics website; prices start at $30 for general admission on game day.
• Streaming: Live on ESPN2; alternative streaming via the ESPN app and watchespn with a valid cable subscription.
• Travel Tips for 49ers Fans:
• Arrive early to secure parking in the “North Lot” (discounted pre‑pay rates).
• Use the “Ames Transit” bus route 12 for shuttle service from the hotel district to the arena.
• dress in 49er teal and gold to stand out in the predominantly Cyclone‑blue crowd.

Betting Odds & Predictions (as of dec 19, 2025)

• Consensus Line: Iowa State -7.5 points (over/under 147.5).
• Key Betting Angles:
• Over if Long Beach State forces a high turnover rate (>15) and exceeds 72 points.
• Under if the Cyclones dominate inside with 12+ rebounds from Sam Rutherford.

Actionable takeaways for Readers

• For Coaches & Players: Emphasize defensive communication on screens to counter Iowa State’s pick‑and‑roll sets; leverage fast‑break opportunities after forced turnovers.
• For Fans: Set reminders for the broadcast, join the #LongBeachVsIowaState discussion on Twitter, and consider group ticket packages for a more affordable game‑day experience.
• For Recruiters: Highlight the 49ers’ ability to compete against a top‑15 program as a selling point to prospective talent in California and the Southwest.