LONG BEACH, Calif. (Interstat) — Long Beach State edged Cal State Bakersfield 81-75 in a Big West Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Walter Pyramid.

The 49ers led 42-36 at halftime and maintained a narrow advantage throughout the second half. Rob Diaz led Long Beach State with 20 points and nine assists. Jaden Alexander scored a game-high 29 points for the Roadrunners, who got within one possession late.

Long Beach State improved to 6-11 overall. Cal State Bakersfield fell to 8-10. Attendance was 1,188.