SOUTHLAND ROUNDUP

Pacific 66, UC Irvine 43--The Anteaters were in the game, then they weren’t, as Pacific outscored them, 27-5, in the last 12 minutes. It was the 12th consecutive victory for the Tigers (19-8, 12-2).

Michael Olowokandi, Pacific’s 7-foot center, scored 10 points in the run and finished with 21 points and career-high 20 rebounds. He made eight of nine shots and also blocked three shots.

“You can beat any of their guys off the dribble,” said Irvine guard Junior Bond, who had 11 points. “Then you get inside and there’s big No. 55 in your face. He’s not on your mind when your out there, but then you get near the basket and you start thinking about him.”

Irvine shot 28%, while the Tigers shot 55%.

The Anteaters (8-16, 5-9) tired to slow Olowokandi by fouling as much as possible. He made five of 12 free throws and the Tigers shot 51% from the foul line.

It helped Irvine stay close much of the game. Bond’s three-point basket gave the Anteaters led, 36-34, with 14 minutes left and his 14-footer pulled them to within one, at 39-38, with 12:47 left. But Irvine went without a field goal for eight minutes.

Jason Flowers scored 19 points to lead the Anteaters, who remained tied for second place in the Western Division.