COL BKB: Long Beach State 68, Xavier 58

HONOLULU, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- A balanced attack led by Michael Caffey Thursday brought Long Beach State a 68-58 win over No. 15 Xavier in the Diamond Head Classic.

The return of standout guard Tu Holloway from a one-game suspension was not enough to help the Musketeers fight off the upset.

Long Beach State will play either Auburn or Hawaii in the second round of the tournament Friday.

Holloway was suspended following an ugly brawl involving Xavier and Cincinnati players in their annual rivalry game last week. He had to sit out just one game, but Dezmine Wells and Mark Lyons missed Thursday's contest due to their role in the Cincinnati incident.

Holloway scored 15 points, two below his average, while playing all but one minute.

Caffey had 14 points for the 49ers while Larry Anderson, Casper Ware and Eugene Phelps all scored 12. T.J. Robinson added 11.

Long Beach State led by eight at halftime, turned that into a 16-point advantage early in the second period and was not threatened the rest of the way.

Xavier (8-2) has lost two in a row since the fight-marred game with Cincinnati. Long Beach State is 6-5.