PACIFIC 10 : Smith, Hendrick Awaken Bears in Second Half

Keith Smith scored 16 of his 21 points in the second half to lead California to a 69-51 Pacific 10 Conference basketball victory over Washington State Saturday.

David Sanders had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars (7-16, 1-12), who have lost 12 consecutive games. Freshman Brian Hendrick added 14 points and seven rebounds for the Bears (17-6, 8-4).

Washington State scored the first basket of the second half to take a 31-21 lead. But Hendrick responded by scoring eight consecutive points to cut the lead to two. Bryant Walton then hit a three-point shot and the Bears had their first lead of the game.

Neil Evans gave the Cougars their last lead of the game, 45-44, before California went on an 11-0 run to a 55-45 advantage on two free throws by Smith with 4:33 remaining. At one point, Smith scored 10 consecutive points.

“That was the closest 18-point game I’ve ever been involved with,” Cal Coach Lou Campanelli said.

In the first half, the Bears went the first 4 1/2 minutes without scoring. By the time Roy Fisher slammed home an dunk off a lob pass with 15:35 left in the half, Washington State led, 11-2. The Cougars opened a 16-2 lead, then held off the cold-shooting Bears.