Big West Conference Tournament Semifinals: No. 5 UC-Irvine suffocated No. 1 UC-Santa Barbara on defense and managed to win 55-50 despite committing 23 turnovers. The Anteaters held the Gauchos to 31.9 percent shooting from the field and 4-of-17 from three-point range. The Gauchos also missed opportunities at the free throw line, making only 16-of-29 attempts. Senior forward Darren Fells led UC-Irvine with 14 points and nine rebounds.
No. 3 Cal State Fullerton beat No. 2 Cal State Northridge 83-68 to move into the Big West championship game against UC-Irvine. Junior guard Josh Akognon led the Titans with 24 points, and senior guard Frank Robinson had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. The Titans will look to beat the Anteaters a third time this season, including the second time in eight days after ending the regular season with a 74-66 victory at UC-Irvine. [3/14/08]
