HONOLULU — Klay Thompson scored 20 points, including two key 3-pointers down the stretch, and Washington State held on to upset No. 15 Baylor 77-71 in the semifinals of the Diamond Head Classic on Thursday.
The Cougars (10-1), who nearly squandered a 20-point, second-half lead, withstood a furious rally by the Bears (8-2) for their fifth consecutive victory.
“Last year we might have folded a little bit, giving up a 20-point lead,” Thompson said.
Thompson, son of former No. 1 NBA draft pick Mychal Thompson, made a 3 to give Washington State a 66-64 lead with 4:29 left. He hit another 3 several feet from beyond the top of the key that made it 71-67 with 1:10 to go.
“Huge shot,” Washington State coach Ken Bone said. “Great player. Those kinds of players make those shots.”
Thompson sealed the victory with two free throws with 32 seconds left.
No. 10 Georgetown 86, No. 16 Memphis 69
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Austin Freeman was 9-of-12 from the field, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range, for 24 points as the Hoyas (11-1) won their third straight game.
Memphis held a four-point lead near the midway point of the first half, but the Hoyas answered with eight straight points and the Tigers (9-2) never led again.
No. 19 Tennessee 66, Belmont 65
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Volunteers (8-3) blew a 13-point lead and needed a layup by Scotty Hopson with 5.7 seconds left to get the victory over the Bruins (9-3).
Area women
Wyoming 80, Utah State 50
LOGAN, Utah — Aubrey Vandiver had 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Chaundra Sewell added 12 points and a career-high 10 rebounds as the Cowgirls (9-3) dominated the Aggies (6-6) in the paint.
Denver Post wire services
