Tigers hope strong effort against Gaels carries over

STOCKTON - The Pacific men's basketball team proved it could give a nationally ranked team a run for its money.

What truly would be a shame would be if the Tigers failed to put forth the same effort the rest of the season, starting today against Pepperdine. Pacific's players and coach Damon Stoudamire said as much after Thursday's 74-70 loss against No. 18 Saint Mary's at Spanos Center.

The Tigers fought back from a 19-point deficit in the second half, but the Gaels held on to stay in the hunt with Gonzaga for the West Coast Conference regular-season title. Pacific (8-16, 2-9 West Coast Conference) plays at 5 p.m. today at the Waves (6-17, 2-9). The Tigers, Pepperdine and Portland, which lost…