BIG WEST MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT : New Mexico State Prevails in Overtime

Sam Crawford scored the final five points in regulation and the final eight points in overtime, including a three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining, to give New Mexico State an 86-85 victory Friday over Fresno State in the first round of the Big West men’s basketball tournament at the Long Beach Arena.

Crawford, who played at Westchester High and Moorpark College, finished with 29 points, seven assists and eight steals.

New Mexico State (21-7) will play tonight at 9 o’clock against Cal State Long Beach. Fresno State finished 15-16.

In another quarterfinal game:

Pacific 86, Utah State 69--The hottest team in the Big West took a 20-point second-half lead and coasted to its fifth victory in its last seven games.

Guards Dell Demps and Walsh Jordan combined to score 39 points for the Tigers (13-15). Forward Randy Lavender added 18 points. Utah State finished 16-12.