RIVERSIDE, Calif. —The stout defense of the UC Riverside Men's Basketball Team (4-2) proved to be too much for the visiting University of Denver (2-3) Saturday night, November 23, as the Highlanders dropped the Pioneers 73-49 in front of a raucous Homecoming crowd in the SRC Arena. The Highlanders, who rank in the nation's top-ten in defensive scoring, had another great outing, holding the Pioneers to a 33.3 shooting percentage from the field en route to capturing their fourth win of the season. The team's 4-2 record is its best start through six games in a decade.

"We have high standards defensively," Head Coach David Patrick said. "I've talked about that a lot, we want to rebound and defend. That's what you have to do to be successful in the Big West conference. We have really done a great job of that this season."

It was another big night for sophomore center Callum McRae, who tallied 18 points to go along with nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Combined with a breakout performance from freshman guard Zyon Pullin, and a strong performance from the bench (36 points), the Highlanders put together a solid outing. Pullin notched career-highs in points (15), rebounds (six), and assists (four) in just his sixth collegiate game. His six-for-nine shooting performance from the field and zero turnovers made for an all-around stellar performance from the Highlander rookie.

"I'm impressed with [Pullin's] points, but I'm more impressed with his zero turnovers as a freshman. You won't get anywhere giving the ball away to the other team, so his performance tonight gave us a chance to win."

The game was even through the first five minutes, until UCR pulled away with a 18-10 lead. From there the Highlanders never looked back holding the lead for over 35 minutes of the contest. They would enter the half up 33-23 before taking full control in the second period, winning it 40-26.

The Highlanders owned the paint pouring in 30 of their 73 points inside and saw huge contributions from its bench which scored nearly half of the team's points.

"I was really pleased with the bench," Patrick continued. "It can be hard to be ready and be prepared when you come in off the bench but that's part of the sacrifice and understanding your role, and they really pushed us tonight and made us better tonight."

UC Riverside will look to keep its momentum going with two more home next week against Longwood (Tuesday, November 26) and Southern Illinois – Edwardsville (Friday, November 29).