David Patrick Menno Dijkstra 2019
44
UC Riverside UCR 10-23
63
Winner UC Irvine Irvine 28-5
UC Riverside UCR
10-23
44
Final
63
UC Irvine Irvine
28-5
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
UC Riverside UCR 22 22 44
UC Irvine Irvine 33 30 63

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Men's Basketball Falls to UC Irvine in Quarterfinal of Big West Tournament

ANAHEIM, Calif.—The UC Riverside Basketball Team saw its season come to a close Thursday night as the #8 Highlanders fell 66-43 to #1 UC Irvine in the quarter-final round of the Big West Conference Tournament. UCR fought diligently throughout, but in the end a determined Anteater defense would limit the Highlanders' scoring opportunities and hold strong to advance to the next round.

"Of course we're unhappy that tonight didn't go our way, but i am extremely proud of this group in our first year together," Head Coach David Patrick said. "We grew every day, worked hard every day, and I think there's great things on the horizon for us."

The tourney's top team played with urgency in the opening minutes of the first half jumping out to quick lead, but UC Riverside would find its rhythm half-way through notching a 9-0 run to tie the game at 19-19. Sophomore Jordan Gilliam provided a spark off of the bench hitting 2-of-3 from the field and a three, but the Eaters would head to locker rooms up 33-22.

The second half was a similar story as UCI held the Highlanders scoreless in the opening minutes allowing the Anteaters to build on their lead, which stretched as high as 25.

Immense efforts from senior Menno Dijkstra, who would play his final college game, and Gilliam gave the Highlanders life as the team chopped away at the lead, but UCI would move to the next round taking it 63-44. 

Dijkstra notched a 10 and 10 double-double and Gilliam led the team with 11 points to go along with four rebounds and two assists.

"I loved playing here and it's great to see how good this program is going to be in the next few years," Dijkstra said. "They have a great foundation, a great coach and staff, and a group of guys that stay the course and put in the work. I don't know where I'll be, but I'll be watching, because these guys are coming."