TONIGHT

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No. 4 Pacific (19-9) vs. No. 5 Cal State Northridge (12-15), noon, KCSN-FM (88.9)--Pacific has won five consecutive games and is looking to repeat last year’s tournament run. The Tigers advanced to the final before losing to Utah State. Pacific is averaging 7.8 three-point baskets a game, tops in the conference. Northridge counters with a league-leading 10.4 steals per game. The Matadors need a big performance from senior point guard Markus Carr, who averages 16 points and 5.4 assists a game. Carr struggled because of a toe injury during a stretch late in the season, but has regained his form. The teams split their regular-season meetings. Pacific lost, 70-59, at Northridge on Jan. 5, and defeated the Matadors, 74-58, on Jan. 31 at home.

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No. 1 Utah State (21-6) vs. No. 8 Idaho (9-18), 2:30 p.m.--Utah State is trying to win its third consecutive Big West tournament title. The Aggies lost their final two games at Northridge and Pacific, but they have a seven-game winning streak against Idaho. Utah State is led by guard Tony Brown (15.1 points) and forward Desmond Penigar (17.1). Rodney Hilaire averages 5.4 rebounds for Idaho.

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No. 7 Long Beach State (13-16) vs. No. 2 UC Irvine (20-9), 6, KDOC-TV, KUCI-FM (88.9), KRLA (870)--The teams are meeting seven days after the 49ers handed the Anteaters their worst loss of the season, 86-70. Despite losing center Rudy Williams for the season with torn ligaments in his right hand, Long Beach has won a season-high five in a row and has been a loose group since Coach Wayne Morgan announced he would resign at season’s end. Irvine has been led all season by All-American candidate Jerry Green, but the Anteaters need better inside play from center Adam Parada. Parada had only six points and was outplayed by Long Beach forward Travis Reed in the 49ers’ victory Feb. 28.

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No. 3 UC Santa Barbara (17-10) vs. No. 6 Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (15-11), KDOC-TV, 8:30 p.m.--Santa Barbara has won five of its last seven games and swept two games against Cal Poly this season. Mark Hull is averaging 15 points, Branduinn Fullove 14.4 for the Gauchos. Adama Ndiaye averages seven rebounds. Cal Poly is led by frontcourt players Varnie Dennis (14 points, 5.6 rebounds) and Brandon Beeson (12 points, 6.5 rebounds).