BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Following yesterday's win over Cal State University Bakersfield (CSUB), the University of California Riverside (UCR) Highlanders geared up to take on the Roadrunners in search of their first Big West Conference series sweep of the season. Four Highlanders posted double figures led by Daphne Gnago's 16, to go with 10 rebounds for her first double double of the season. Lauryn Pointer and Jordan Webster each had 11, while Jada Holland added 10. For Webster and Holland,  it was their second double digit game in as many days. Head Coach Nicole Powell was impressed with back-to-back wins on the road, saying, "I am really proud of how we competed today, especially in this difficult format. We are already looking to get back home and get back to work before the next set of conference games." 

Gnago started the game hot driving down the lane for her first score, and followed that up with a steal that would lead to Holland finding the net. On the next possession, Gnago grabbed a defensive rebound and scored another bucket before the first three minutes of the game had elapsed. The Highlanders were up 6-0 before the Roadrunners would score a basket. A long-distance assault from UCR commenced with three-point buckets from Webster, Pointer and Keilanei Cooper to put the Highlanders up 12 points at the end of the first quarter, 18-6.

The Roadrunners bolstered their defense in the second period, successfully holding the Highlanders to an eight-point quarter but fell short in answering back offensively and were held to single digits themselves, eight point as well. The Highlanders entered the locker room confident at half time with a 26-14 lead.

UC Riverside carried their momentum into the second half with an explosive third quarter. An 11-2 run carried the team to their largest lead of the game, 47-22, putting them up by 25 with two minutes left in the period.

CSUB battled to stay in the game in the final quarter and it was the only period in which they outscored UC Riverside, 19-17, however, the Highlanders won the game 64-45 and swept the series. 

The dominant win showcased the squad's depth, with the bench scoring 20 points for the Highlanders. Coach Powell said, "Our bench gave us great minutes tonight which is really important for us as we continue to grow as a team." UCR advances their record to 5-5 overall and 2-2 in the Big West. 

The UC Riverside Highlanders return to the SRC for their next competition, hosting Cal Poly on Friday and Saturday, January 29 and 30 at 3:00 PM.