A tough 1.5 point spread setback the other night not withstanding, Long Beach is the most improved team in the nation as they have covered 11-of-15.

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 offensive output the key to victory. The key number is shooting 35%; Since Dec. 19, the team is 12-1 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 14 of the 17 games he has played with the 49ers, and is averaging 15.5 points per game.