Nov. 18, 2005
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FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - Brandon Heath scored 23 points, leading San Diego State to a 67-55 victory over host Alaska-Fairbanks on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the BP Top of the World Classic.
Heath scored 10 points in the final 7:12, helping the Aztecs (1-0) pull away from the Division II Nanooks (0-1).
San Diego State used its superior size to outrebound Alaska-Fairbanks 44-27.
The Nanooks had no answer for San Diego State forwards Marcus Slaughter and Trimaine Davis, who combined for 29 points. Slaughter had 16 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Davis scored 13 points and blocked three shots.
The Aztecs built a 31-21 halftime lead, but had to withstand a comeback by the Nanooks in the second half. Alaska-Fairbanks twice cut San Diego State's lead to four on 3-pointers by guards Chris Jordan and Austin Autry.
Brandon ended the first run with a 3. With just more than 6 minutes remaining, Slaughter drew a foul and hit a free throw that started a 9-0 game-clinching run.
Justin Bourne led the Nanooks with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Andrew Smith added 10 points.