Did we mention that Long Beach State is the most improved team in the country? Yes, we did but pipe down. They are 8-1 their last nine and 11-3 the last 14.

Since the arrival of Travis Hammonds and Tyler Lamb, the 49ers have turned things around after a 1-9 start. Defensively, the team has been competitive, making the team's offensive output the key to victory. The key number is shooting 35%; Since Dec. 19, the team is 11-1 when passing that number while going 0-4 when shooting under that mark. The only loss when shooting over that mark came against UCSB on a buzzer-beater.

Tyler 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 13 of the 16 games he's played with the 49ers, and is averaging 15.3 points per game.