Pacific Edges UC Irvine, 73-71

UC Irvine’s DeForrest Boyer missed a falling-down, six-foot shot as time ran out and Pacific held on for a 73-71 Big West victory in front of 1,731 in the Bren Center.

The Anteaters, 5-8 and 2-3 in Big West, led by 16 early, were outscored, 23-0, midway through the game, fought back from a 10-point deficit with 3:42 to go and had the ball in Boyer’s hands underneath the basket, trailing by two with 2.3 seconds remaining.

“I believe I was fouled,” Boyer said, “but they didn’t blow the whistle, so it’s over now.”

“I kind of got him on the arm,” Pacific guard Charles Terrell said, “but, hey, you have to play aggressive and the refs aren’t going to see everything.”

Pacific (10-7, 4-2) shot 70% in the second half after making 38% in the first half.