Sophomore forward Tyler Tuliau (pictured) scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds to help lead the Long Beach City College men's basketball team to a 68-63 win over host Irvine Valley College at the opening day of the IVC Classic tournament.

The impressive start to the 2012-13 season continues for the Vikings as they are now 3-1 overall heading into Friday night's 7 p.m. semifinal contest against Imperial Valley College.

On Thursday, Long Beach had four players in double figures, including sophomore Ashton Edwards, who went for a team-high 23 points.

Long Beach led 33-30 at halftime and played well down the stretch and made its free throws when it counted. The Vikings went 19 of 24 from the line for the game and 9 of 10 in the second half.

LBCC also outrebounded Irvine Valley, 40-31.

Freshman Mwelu Matayu posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds while freshman Rueben Strickland added 10 points.

Photo by John Fajardo