Nov. 19, 2005
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - Othyus Jeffers scored 13 points including two field goals as the clock wound down and Illinois-Chicago defeated San Diego State 66-63 Saturday in the semifinals of the BP Top of the World Classic.
Jeffers pulled down nine rebounds and added two assists and two blocks to push Illinois-Chicago (2-0) into the championship game Sunday against the winner of Denver-Southern Mississippi.
The teams finished the first half tied 31-31. The second half featured eight lead changes and seven ties.
With about 12 minutes remaining, Jeffers pulled down an offensive rebound and scored to start a 10-2 run. The Flames took their biggest lead of the half, 54-48, with about eight minutes to go.
The Aztecs answered with their own 10-2 run and took a 58-56 lead with five minutes left but were limited to just two more field goals.
On a John Sharper 3-pointer, the Aztecs took their last lead, 61-60. with just over three minutes remaining. The Flames' Justin Bowen answered with a 12-foot jumper and Jeffers scored on a layup and a dunk off an inbound play.
Heath Brandon led San Diego State with 18 points and five assists. Kyle Spain added seven points and 10 rebounds in his first career start.
Danijel Zoric scored 13 for the Flames.