MONMOUTH, Ore. – The PacWest run in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship came to an end on Sunday, as California Baptist and Azusa Pacific both lost in the West Regional semifinals. No. 3 CBU fell to No. 2 UC San Diego, 71-69. No. 4 Azusa Pacific lost to No. 1 Western Oregon, 81-69.
Gelaun Wheelwright made a deep three-pointer on CBU’s final possession to tie the game, but UCSD came right back down the floor to make a last-second running layup for the win. Wheelwright scored a game-high 30 points, making five three-pointers, and had eight rebounds.
Michael Smith scored 18 on 6-of-9 shooting.
APU trailed the top-seeded Wolves by 18 points in the second half, but used a 17-4 run to pull within five, 68-63. WOU made seven free throws to keep the Cougars at bay and avenge a regional loss to APU from last season.
Bruce English led the Cougars with 18 points.
Petar Kutlesic doubled up with 11 points and 11 rebounds.