BERKELEY— Coming into Sunday evening's matchup at Cal, the UC Riverside Women's Basketball team averaged 33.5 points scored in the first half through four games played and 26.5 in the second half. Tonight in Berkeley, that trend reversed itself as the Highlanders shot 8-35 (22.9%) and scored just 25 points in the second half of an, 84-61, loss to the Cal Bears.

Head Coach Seyram Bell on the game, "Obviously we hoped for a different outcome, but I am pleased with the progress we're making. We're getting exactly what we need out of this schedule... experiences that we can grow from and benefit from throughout the year."

Jannon Otto scored a game-high 24 points (14-1st half) to go along with seven rebounds and three assists to lead UCR.  

The first half was played as even as a game could be with both clubs shooting 13-32 from the field (40.6%). The Bears did outshoot the Highlanders from long-distance, connecting on five of their 11 attempts compared to two of seven by the visitors.

UCR, however, made up the difference by going a perfect eight-for-eight at the free-throw line, all of which fittingly resulted in a tie game at the break, 36-36. 

The Highlanders connected on six of their final eight shot attempts, and held Cal scoreless for the final 2:30 of the second period. They also had six steals in the first 20 minutes of play. 

When play resumed in the third, the Highlanders started out cold, and they would remain that way, misfiring on their first 13 attempts in the frame, and scoring just one point (Gnago free-throw) in seven minutes of play. 

During the UCR drought, the Bears created a 10-point advantage, before Otto connected from the midrange to cut the deficit to eight. Cal then responded with a 6-0 spurt that put the game in dangerous territory given the Highlander's shooting woes. UCR hit just three of their 21 shot attempts in the third.

The hosts opened the fourth with an 18-4 run that put the game out of reach before its eventual end, 84-61. 

Although they shot it poorly in the second half, the Highlanders improved on taking care of  the ball, as they committed a manageable 14 turnovers in Sunday's loss. In the previous two contests, they had 28 and 18 turnovers respectively. 

Daphne Gnago grabbed an impressive eight offensive rebounds, scored seven points and handed out four assists, while Lauryn Pointer showed an outside touch connecting on two of five attempts from long distance on her way to eight points for the game.  


LOOKING FORWARD
The Highlanders host a pair of home games next week, Thursday, November 21st versus Utah Valley and Sunday, November 24th against Weber State.