Ware scores 22, Long Beach State tops Pacific 68-61 to advance to Big West championship

Long Beach State tops Pacific 68-61

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Casper Ware had six assists, five steals, four rebounds and a career-high 22 points to lead Long Beach State to a 68-61 victory over Pacific in the Big West Conference tournament Friday night.

Larry Anderson added 16 points and Stephan Gilling had 12 points for the third-seeded 49ers (17-15), who will play top-seeded UC Santa Barbara on Saturday for the championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament.

Joe Ford had 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals for the second-seeded Tigers (20-11). Sam Willard added 13 points and eight rebounds, while Allen Huddleston scored a season-best 12 points.

It was the first time this season Long Beach State has won three consecutive games.