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Guard Mike Caffey danced to his music on the bus ride to the Walter Pyramid for Long Beach State’s practice on its home court Friday in Long Beach, Calif., before traveling to its Big West tournament basketball game later in Anaheim, Calif.
Nick Shepherd laughs during breakfast with the team at their hotel on game day, Friday, March 9, 2012 in Long Beach, Calif.
Forward Eugene Phelps yawns as trainer Mark Pocinich stretches out his legs after breakfast on game day on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Long Beach, Calif
Portraits of athletes on the 49ers’ Athletic Hall of Fame wall were reflected on glass as the team met to watch video of opponents with Coach Dan Monson at the Pyramid
A Long Beach player watches a CIF high school basketball game on TV as the team gets dressed for practice in their locker room at the Walter Pyramid on the team's home court on game day. The Long Beach State basketball team before their Big West basketball game on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Long Beach, Calif.
The team arrives at the Walter Pyramid for practice on the team's home court on game day on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Long Beach, Calif.
Coach Dan Monson fixes his son Maddox's tie after boarding the bus to the game against UC Irvine at the Honda Center on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Long Beach, Calif.
The team locks hands, forming "the chain" around center court at the Walter Pyramid during practice at the team's home court on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Long Beach, Calif.
Shooting free throws at the Walter Pyramid during practice on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Long Beach, Calif.
Forward Eugene Phelps dressed as Monson wrote his pregame expectations for the team on a dry-erase board.
Head Coach Dan Monson speaks to the team during the second half against UC Irvine, the team won the game - earning a spot in the Big West Championship game on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Anaheim, Calif.
Long Beach fans cheer during the second half against UC Irvine, the team won the game - earning a spot in the Big West Championship game on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Anaheim, Calif.
Head Coach Dan Monson speaks to his team after beating UC Irvine, earning a spot in the Big West Championship game. Coach talked about what the team must focus on to win the title - that there still work to be done after their Big West basketball game on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Anaheim, Calif
Forward Eugene Phelps, left, and Edis Dervisevic on the ride home after their Big West basketball game on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Anaheim, Calif
Caffey lowering himself into the cold water at the hotel pool to soak his legs after the game, per the instructions of the team’s athletic trainer after beating UC Irvine, earning a spot in the Big West Championship game. The Long Beach State basketball team after their Big West basketball game on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Long Beach, Calif.
Edis Dervisevic, right, jumps out of his chair as he and the Long Beach State men's basketball team celebrates as their place in the NCAA Tournament bracket is revealed on Sunday afternoon, March 11, 2012 in Long Beach, California. The 49ers, the 12th seed in the West Region, will open up the NCAA Tournament in the Second Round by playing the 5th seed, New Mexico in Portland, Oregon.
Read the story at The New York Times.
© 2012 Patrick Fallon
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