LONG BEACH, Calif.— Wednesday night marked a tough outing for the UC Riverside Men's Basketball Team which fought hard, but could not close out on the road at Long Beach State. Despite a career high night for freshman DJ McDonald, who gave the Highlanders a second half spark, LBSU emerged in the end taking the game 70-57. 

The early momentum would belong to UC Riverside as the team led for most of the first half behind a strong performance off the bench from sophomore Jordan Gilliam. With his teammates in early foul trouble, the guard entered and managed the floor beautifully on his way to seven first half points and three rebounds.  

UCR did its job on the glass and made the most of its extra opportunities out-rebounding LBSU 21-13 and cashing in its six offensive boards for nine points. Unfortunately, a scoring drought in the final five minutes and nine turnovers by the Highlanders would give The Beach the opportunity to gain their first lead as UCR went into the locker room down 30-25. 

Out of the half, the Highlanders returned with a purpose going on a quick run to regain the lead and go up by as much as five. McDonald led the way with a lights out 4-for-5 shooting performance from three to notch a career high 12 points. The team would combine to shoot .462 from deep in the second period.

The two teams traded punches for much of the final period until LBSU strung together a late run nailing five threes in just over five minutes to get away with the win 70-57.

The Highlanders ended the game with positive takeaways trumping yet another team in the rebound battle 35-30, nine of which came on the offensive end. Freshman Callum McRae led the way with eight boards to go along with eight points.

UC Riverside will now look to close out the regular season this Saturday at UC Davis with a pivotal matchup that could secure the team a spot in the Big West Tournament.