SOUTHLAND

UC Irvine 93, North Texas 84--The Anteaters secured a spot in the Big West tournament with a victory at Irvine.

The Anteaters (14-13, 7-9), who will play New Mexico State Thursday afternoon in Reno, shot 53% and had five others score in double figures. Malachi Edmond scored 17, including 12 in the last 10 minutes to help hold off the Eagles (7-20, 5-11).

North Texas had 26 offensive rebounds and scored 24 points on second chances. But the Eagles made only 28 of 82 shots and were six of 29 on three-pointers.

Chris Davis scored 29 points--making nine of 27 shots--and Deginald Erskin 28 points--making nine of 25 shots--to lead North Texas, which leaves the Big West to join the Sun Belt Conference after this season.