(1) Cal State Northridge 71, (3) Pacific 66
Despite losing twice to No. 3 Pacific in the regular season, No. 1 Cal State Northridge pulled through against the Tigers when it counted most, winning the Big West championship with a 71-66 victory. The Mastodons started hot, jumping out to a 21-3 lead before Pacific woke up. The Tigers cut that lead to six by halftime and tied it at 42 with 11 minutes to go. Cal State Northridge led by five heading into the final minute when senior forward Bryan LeDuc, who led the Tigers with 24 points, hit a three-pointer to cut it to two. The Mastodons turned it over during their next possession, and Michael Kirby forced overtime by hitting two free throws with five seconds to go. In overtime, Cal State Northridge held the Tigers to only five points and got two three-pointers from senior guard Rodrigue Mels to power the Mastodons to a 71-66 win. Mels led Cal State Northridge with 23 points.
