Aztecs set to come home, making Big West bigger..

Bob Keisser reports in the Press-Telegram that San Diego State has been approved by the Big West Conference presidents to move its non-football sports into the conference, effective for the 2013-14 season.  Aztec football plans to join the hyper-expanded Big East at that time, along with Boise State, Houston, Central Florida and SMU.  With Hawaii joining next school year, the addition of SDSU will bring the conference membership to 11 schools, barring any other additions or expulsions.  SDSU, along with Long Beach, was a charter member of the PCAA in 1968...now known as the Big West.

In other Beach news, Tipesa Moorer's double-double and Alex Sanchez's overtime play led 49er Women's Basketball to a 61-58 win over Nevada last night at the Pyramid.  Bianka Balthazar chipped in 16 points to add to Moorer's 18 points and 11 boards to lead the Beach to their 3rd win of the young season.  Sanchez scored five of her 11 points in the overtime period to seal the victory.  The 49ers forced 28 Wolf Pack turnovers with their smallish lineup, missing post players Ella Clark and Devin Hudson, plus Sendy Valles, all out with injuries.

Monson's Minions hold off Mustangs for Big West title, 61-55!

Casper Ware's 25 points, including five 3-pointers, plus a huge rebound bucket late from Larry Anderson, pushed Long Beach State men's hoops past a scrappy Cal Poly club, 61-55, clinching the Big West regular season championship in the process.  Anderson finished with 13 points, and the backcourt trio of Ware, Anderson, and senior Greg Plater, combined for eight of the team's 11 steals on the night.  TJ Robinson chipped in with eight points, 10 boards, and a team-high three assists.  Brandon Nevens also knocked down a 3-pointer late in the first half, which helped The Beach secure a 31-28 lead at the half.  Chris O'Brien led the Mustangs with four 3-pointers, and 16 points, while leading scorers Shawn Lewis and David Hanson were held to a combined 13 points, on 4-20 shooting.  The 49er pressure defense forced 19 Poly turnovers, eleven of them in the second half.

Congratulations to Coach Dan Monson, his staff, and the team, on The Beach's first Big West title since 2007.  The team concludes its home slate Saturday at 5pm against UCSB.  It's White Out Day, and Senior Day, honoring 49er seniors Greg Plater, Brandon Nevens, and Tristan Wilson.  The game will be televised on ESPN2.