Relative to their own conference, Long Beach State has probably played the toughest schedule in the conference and it is paying off. They have covered 5-of-7 after their baptism by fire and entering conference play undervalued.

Yes, Hawaii always has a big home court edge because of travel, but they are returning from a trip to the mainland.

LBS sneaks under the radar since getting their roster maxed. Since the arrival of Travis Hammonds and Tyler Lamb, success has not been too far away; defensively, the team has been competitive, making the team offensive output the key to victory. The key number is shooting 35%; Since Dec. 19, the team is 6-0 when passing that number while going 0-3 when shooting under that mark.

Lamb, a junior transfer from UCLA, became eligible for the 49ers on December 19, and has immediately had a huge impact. Lamb scored 20 points off of the bench against USC, helping the 49ers earn their first win over a Pac-12 opponent at home since 1999 in a 72-71 win. Lamb has scored in double-figures in eight of nine games he has played with the 49ers, and is averaging 16.1 points per game.