LAHAINA, Hawaii—The UC Riverside Women's Basketball team will face some tough competition when it squares off against Texas A&M on Friday and Eastern Washington on Saturday in the Maui Jim Maui Classic.

"We came here to get better as a team," head coach John Margaritis said. "The Classic will help us do that. It is very competitive and we are pleased to have the opportunity to compete against both schools."

This marks the first time the Highlanders (2-6) will face Texas A&M and the third time the team will face Eastern Washington. UCR last faced the Eagles on Dec. 16, 2003 and took a 96-81 loss.

The Highlanders are in the middle of a stretch in which they play seven straight road games. They will not have another home game until Dec. 28 against New Mexico State. UCR begins Big West Conference play on Jan. 6.

"We are going places both literally and figuratively," Margaritis said. "We are in Hawai'i to help us become a better and more prepared team come conference play."

SCOUTING THE AGGIES
Texas A&M dominated Central Arkansas on Saturday by a score of 84-27. The Aggies were led by Ciera Johnson who had 12 points and 12 rebounds, along with Kayla Wells who tallied 15 points. Four Aggies scored in double figures.

SCOUTING THE EAGLES
Eastern Washington took a 67-55 loss to Boise State last Friday, marking their fifth straight loss. One of the most consistent players for the Eagles has been Violet Kapri Morrow, who recorded her seventh straight double-double of the season and 10th overall dating back to last season.

BLOCK PARTY
UCR currently has 40 blocked shots on the season, which leads the Big West, averaging 5.0 per game. Marina Ewodo has 18 of those and is averaging 2.25 blocks per game. The team has out-blocked opponents 40-15.

OFFENSIVE ATTACK
So far this season the Highlanders have been led on the offensive end by senior Malou De Kergret, who is averaging 11.1 points per game. Jannon Otto is also averaging double digits with 10.3 ppg.