STOCKTON (AP) — Sama Taku scored 15 points, Lorenzo McCloud chipped in with 14 and Pacific used a big first-half rally to put the Anteaters away early in a 70-62 win over UC Irvine on Thursday night.

Taku hit the first two shots for Pacific (18-12, 12-5 Big West) and the Tigers went on a 15-3 run in the first 5 minutes of play and led 39-19 at halftime.

UC Irvine (17-14, 10-7) refused to go away however and Alex Young sparked a 30-15 rally by the Anteaters to begin the second half including a 3-pointer to cut Pacific’s lead to three, 54-51, with 4:47 to play.

The Tigers went 7 for 8 from the free throw line over the final 1:25 and held on for the win.

Young finished the night with 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Will Davis II had 12 points, grabbed six rebounds and had three blocks.