BIG WEST ROUNDUP : Long Beach Wins One for Departing Reisbig

Cal State Long Beach won a football game Saturday for outgoing Coach Larry Reisbig, defeating Utah State, 31-18, at Veterans Stadium.

“It was a nice way to end it,” said Reisbig, who was hoisted by his players after finishing with a three-year record of 11-24. He announced his resignation two weeks ago.

The 49ers, who built a 21-0 lead in the first quarter on three touchdown passes by quarterback Paul Oates, snapped a five-game losing streak and ended the season with a 4-8 overall record, 2-5 in the Big West Conference.

Utah State (4-7, 4-3) trailed, 24-18, late in the game, but Kirk Johnson’s pass was intercepted by Greg Svitenko of Long Beach and returned 51 yards for a touchdown with 3:36 left.

Oates, who had season passing totals of 2,621 yards and 19 touchdowns, threw a 50-yard pass to Sean Foster in the end zone on Long Beach’s first play from scrimmage. On the 49ers’ second possession, he connected with Derek Washington for an 18-yard touchdown. The third time Long Beach got the ball, he threw a 47-yard scoring pass to Michael Newsome.

Johnson brought Utah State back with scoring passes to Rod Moore and Tracey Jenkins. And he narrowed the deficit to 21-18 when he hit Patrick Newman for a two-point conversion.

But when it looked as if a victory might elude them again, the 49ers turned to running back Jeff Fassett, who gained all of his 110 yards in the second half. His 30-yard run set up a 29-yard field goal by Kenneth Allen that increased their lead to 24-18 with 4:36 left in the game.

Long Beach, which had been giving up an average of 35 points a game, had one of its best defensive efforts. The 49ers were led by senior linebacker Gene Lemmers, who had 20 tackles.