RIVERSIDE, Calif – The UC Riverside Men's Basketball Team's rough week ends with a 71-84 defeat at the hands of the Aggies of UC Davis, dropping their record to 8-16 and 2-6 in the conference.  

The Highlanders fell behind 9-0 to start the game and were never able to overcome the slow start. UC Davis shot 58% from the field in the first half, seeming to capitalize on every UCR mistake by scoring 15 points off of turnovers in the half. Finishing the half down 22-38, the Highlanders had to try to overcome their largest half-time deficit of the season. 

UC Riverside made strong half-time adjustments by more than doubling their first half scoring output scoring a robust 49 points for the half, shooting 59% from the field.  

The Highlanders fell behind by as much as 21 in the second half but showed their gritty character and clawed back to within eight with 9 minutes left in the game. But for every run the Highlanders seemed to mount, Davis had an answer and kept the Highlanders at a safe distance for the rest of the game.  

The Aggies set their own school record by going 23-23 from the free throw line, led by T.J. Shorts who went 8-8 in the last 2:15 of the game. 

The Highlanders' bench provided some relief, scoring 34 bench points led by sophomore guard Jordan Gilliam who had 15, all of which came in the second half, to lead the team. 

Head Coach David Patrick's team will have a chance to avenge this loss at Davis for the season finale on March 9th.  

The Highlanders will have a week to recuperate before they play Fullerton at home next Saturday, February 9th.