RIVERSIDE, Calif.—Behind solid defense and a balanced offensive attack, the UC Riverside Women's Basketball team got a 62-43 win over Coastal Carolina on Sunday at SRC Arena.
After starting the season 0-3 on the road, the team returned home full of energy, finishing the week 2-0 after a win on Thursday against Southern Utah.
"You have to hold serve at home," head coach John Margaritis said. "We have to continue to win at home. If we can do that, it is a good starting point."
Both teams started out cold from the floor in the first quarter, combining for just five points in the first five minutes. However, during the last five minutes of the quarter, UCR scored 10 points and took a 12-9 lead going into the second quarter.
Holding Coastal Carolina to just six points in the second quarter, the Highlanders went on a 9-0 run to end the quarter and go into halftime with a 24-15 lead.
"We knew Coastal Carolina would press us and we tried to prepare for it in practice," Margaritis said. "However, we knew we couldn't simulate their speed and aggressiveness."
UCR held the Chanticleers to just 18.6 percent (11-for-59) shooting on the day, including 2-for-12 from beyond the arc. The Highlanders also held Coastal Carolina to just 1-for-14 shooting in the fourth quarter.
"We worked hard the entire game because of their aggressiveness," Margaritis said. "Coming in, they had solid offensive stats. We knew the game would come down to effort and our ability to stay between them and the basket."
Marina Ewodo's defensive abilities were on full display during the game. She had three blocked shots and two steals. Ewodo now has 12 blocks this season. Overall, the team had seven blocks during the game.
"We have a few on our team who are athletic," Margaritis said. "With work, we hope to create an environment that is difficult and uncomfortable for an opponent."
The Highlanders were led by Keilanei Cooper, who finished with a team-high 17 points. Cooper also scored 17 points vs. Oklahoma State last Sunday. Tianna Eaton collected 13 points and Ewodo scored 10 points.
A strength of the Highlanders so far this season has been their ability to share the ball. Jannon Otto (11.8), Ewodo (11.2), Cooper (10.8), Eaton (10.8) and Malou De Kergret (10.3) are all averaging double digits.
The team now goes on the road for seven games and won't play at home again until Dec. 28 against New Mexico State. The Highlanders play Oregon on Friday and Milwaukee-Wisconsin on Saturday in the Hilton Concord Classic in Moraga, CA.
