STOCKTON, Calif. — In a thrilling matchup on Thursday night, the Pacific Tigers edged out the Washington State Cougars with a final score of 70-68, thanks to a last-minute layup by Jazz Gardner.

Elias Ralph put on a notable performance, contributing 18 points and eight rebounds for the Tigers, who improved to 7-17 overall and 2-8 in the West Coast Conference. Gardner was particularly efficient, going a perfect seven for seven from the field for 14 points. Fellow teammate Petar Krivokapic also chimed in with 14 points and secured five rebounds during the game.

On the opposing team, the Cougars (15-8, 5-5) found their leader in Dane Erikstrup, who scored 17 points while also providing four assists and four steals. Nate Calmese chipped in with 13 points and notably sank a three-pointer that tied the game with just 34 seconds remaining on the clock. This loss marked the third consecutive defeat for WSU.

Pacific entered halftime with a narrow lead of 33-30 over Washington State, with Ralph accounting for 11 of those points. Lamar Washington played a crucial role in the second half, scoring 11 of his total 13 points during that period as the Tigers held on for the victory.