BIG WEST CONFERENCE WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT : Pacific Hands Irvine 24th Loss in Row

The University of the Pacific women’s basketball team defeated UC Irvine, 71-51, Wednesday before only 121 in the first round of the Big West Conference tournament at Long Beach Arena.

It was the Anteaters’ 27th loss in 28 games and their 24th in a row. Both are school records.

Irvine’s only victory this season was a 59-57 win over Southern Utah State on Dec. 8.

Center Julie Szukalski scored 19 points and guard Charmon Logan had 15 to lead Pacific (14-14), which meets Hawaii today at 3 p.m. Kathy Lizarraga and Jenny Lee, both guards, had 12 each to lead UC Irvine.

The Anteaters had 35 turnovers and shot 35.2% from the field.

San Jose State 81, San Diego State 59--Hulett Brooks had 22 points, making nine of 12 shots from the field, to lead San Jose State. Lora Alexander added 20 points and 16 rebounds for the Spartans.

San Jose (5-23) advances to play top-seeded Nevada Las Vegas at 7 tonight.

The Spartans led only 34-27 at halftime, but gradually pulled away in the second half.

San Diego State (7-23) was led by Julie Evans, who had 16 points.