Pacific Gains Final Berth With Victory Over Nevada

RENO, Nev. — Adam Jacobsen hit a tie-breaking three-pointer with 1 minute 57 seconds remaining and Rayne Mahaffey made five free throws down the stretch as Pacific beat Nevada, 67-62, Saturday night to reach the Big West tournament championship for the second straight year.

Pacific, which beat Nevada in the conference title game a year ago, advanced to today’s final against Utah State, which beat Cal State Fullerton, 65-56.

Aaron Woliczko scored 18 points to lead Pacific, winners of 16 straight. Michael Olowokandi had 17 before fouling out with 1:30 remaining.

Paul Culbertson had 20 points for Nevada but his potential game-tying three-point try in the final seconds was long, skipping off the rim. Mahaffey secured the rebound, was fouled and made both free throws to provide the final margin.