NEW ORLEANS - A career-high 26 points from senior Elizabeth Elliott fueled a 64-60 win for the Pacific women's basketball program over Houston on Saturday in the Big Easy Classic at the Alario Center.

Elliott was 11-of-15 from the field to top her previous career-best of 25 points. She also neared a double-double with nine rebounds. After the game, Elliot was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Pacific (4-4) led 62-60 with 29 seconds left when it got a stop defensively and secured a rebound. After a foul by Houston (2-6), senior Anaya James hit a pair of free throws to seal the win.

It was Pacific's first win over a Big 12 opponent in school history.

Joining Elliott in double-figures was graduate Liz Smith with 11 points to go along with seven assists. The Tigers dished out 20 assists on 24 made baskets which included seven from James and four from junior Sydney Ward.

As a result of their offensive showings, both Elliott and Smith entered Pacific's all-time scoring list. Elliott's 1,148 career points ranks her 19th all-time, and Smith's 1,129 has her ranked 21st. Sandwiched between the two is James with 1,143 career points.

The Tigers outrebounded the Cougars 38-29, including a 16-8 margin on the offensive glass. Pacific forced 23 turnovers in the game as sophomore Nyah Lowery came off the bench to grab four steals.

Pacific led for nearly the entire game as Houston's only lead came in the first two minutes. The Tigers led by as many as 11 in the second quarter, and were still in front 47-39 at the end of the third after a jumper by junior Lauren Glazier.

The Tigers were still in front 61-54 after a pair of free throws by Ward with 1:06 left when the Cougars made one last push. After a pair of three-pointers, Pacific was on top 61-60 with 33 seconds remaining when it made free throws and got stops defensively to end it.

The Tigers return home to the Alex G. Spanos Center for its next two contests, the first of which will be the first West Coast Conference game of the season when the team welcomes Oregon State to Stockton at 6 p.m. Thursday. 

Tigers Tickets
Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased through the PacificTigers.com tickets tab, or by calling the Box Office at 209-946-2474.  Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a group discount and exclusive fan experiences.

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