COL BKB: Memphis 81, Cal St.-Northridge 70

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 19 (UPI) -- Second-seeded Memphis closed with a 20-6 run Thursday and beat upset-minded Cal State-Northridge 81-70 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament's West Region.

The Tigers led 34-31 at the half but, before their game-ending spurt, trailed 64-61 after Mark Hill's layup with 9:06 remaining.

Roburt Sallie led the winners with 35 points, four rebounds and three steals.

Tyreke Evans scored 15 points with five assists and three steals and Antonio Anderson added 13 points, 10 assists and three steals for the Tigers (32-3), who established a first-round record by sinking 10-of-15 3-pointers in their 26th consecutive victory.

Rodrigue Mels led Northridge with 15 points. Tremaine Townsend scored 14 with nine rebounds and Kenny Daniels scored 14 with four rebounds.

Hill had 13 points and six assists, while Willie Galick added 12 points and six rebounds for the Matadors (17-14), the surprise champion at last week's Big West Tournament.