Late Basket Gives Pacific a 55-53 Win

Guard James Gleaves sank a three-point field goal with 15 seconds remaining Thursday at the Forum to give the University of Pacific a 55-53 victory over San Jose State in the opening quarterfinal-round game of the Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. basketball tournament.

Gilbert Wilburn scored 28 points, including two free throws with three seconds remaining, to lead New Mexico State to a 74-71 victory over Utah State in the second game.

In other quarterfinal action scheduled later Thursday, 13th-ranked Nevada Las Vegas was to play Fresno State and UC Irvine was to meet Cal State Fullerton.

Pacific took a 22-12 lead over San Jose State after 15 minutes of play, but the Spartans battled back, narrowing the gap to 27-26 at halftime. The second half was close throughout.

Pacific held a 52-49 advantage after Drew Rodgers made a short bank shot with 2:11 remaining, but George Puou made two free throws with 1:59 remaining and Ward Farris dunked following a steal with 1:44 to go, giving the Spartans a 53-52 lead.

It stayed that way until Gleaves connected from the left side of the key.

Rich Anema led Pacific, which raised its record to 17-13, with 19 points and eight rebounds. Farris paced San Jose, which fell to 16-13, with 17 points and five rebounds.

The Tigers and Spartans had tied for fourth place during the PCAA’s regular season.