Fran Dunphy

The men’s team has played itself out of at-large contention while the women’s recent surge has made them close to a “lock” for the NCAA Tournament later this month.

The Explorers came into the Liacouras Center and took it to the men’s basketball team, as Rodney Green’s 22 points led the visitors to a 70-63 victory.

The men’s basketball team won the game, 61-59, but it didn’t come easy, as the Owls missed six free-throws down the stretch after leading by 10 with 54 seconds to go.