BYU outlasts USF, wins in overtime

LAS VEGAS – Tyler Haws overcame a rough shooting night to score eight of his 24 points in overtime, helping BYU outlast San Francisco 79-77 in the West Coast Conference men’s tournament semifinals Monday night.

Haws, the WCC Player of the Year, had a hard time freeing himself from San Francisco’s defense, shooting 5 of 19, but made all 14 of his free throws

His teammates helped pick up the slack, sending the Cougars into today’s championship game against Gonzaga.

Kyle Collinsworth had 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Anson Winder had 14 points for Brigham Young (23-10).

San Francisco (21-11) fought back several times, including a late run in overtime.

Matt Glover hit a 3-pointer with 28 seconds left and the Dons had a shot to tie after Winder made 1 of 2 free throws, but Avry Holmes missed a fadeaway jumper just before the buzzer.

Cole Dickerson led the Dons with 20 points and Glover had 14.

BYU made a strong case for an NCAA tournament bid at the close of the regular season, winning seven of its final eight.

San Francisco led by two at halftime. The teams traded blows and baskets, neither able to gain much of an advantage in the second half.