ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Zalmico Harmon scored 17 points, Alan Williams had 12 points and 12 rebounds, and UC Santa Barbara beat Washington State 71-43 on Thursday night in the first round of the Great Alaska Shootout.
UCSB (2-2) built a 34-12 first-half lead after Washington State shot 3 of 33 from the field and 0 for 14 from 3-point range. The Cougars (1-3) shot better in the second half but couldn't get closer than 38-19 on Devonte Lacy's 3-pointer with 16:49 left.
John Green had 11 points for the Gauchos, who will play Mercer in the semifinals on Friday.
Brett Boese scored a career-high 13 points and Josh Hawkinson had 13 rebounds for the Cougars. They will face Rice in the consolation semifinals.
Both teams struggled at the start, with the Gauchos opening the game 4 of 15 from the field and the Cougars 1 of 16.
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