NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - The Highlanders traveled across the country to Massachusetts for a mid morning game at Merrimack College. The Highlanders held the lead for most of the game, save six seconds in the first quarter. Commanding offense helped lead UC Riverside to a decisive 65-53 victory as they open their trip to the East Coast.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• UC Riverside took control from the tip off, winning the jump ball and scoring the first bucket of the game, with Zoe Tillery sinking a three-pointer 35 seconds into the first period.
• Four three-point buckets throughout the first quarter extended the Highlanders early lead, and Merrimack wasn't able to answer back. UCR held the Warriors to 0-5 from distance.
• Stifling UCR defense in the second quarter held Merrimack to a nine-plus minute scoring drought
• The Highlanders' largest lead of the game was a season-high 19 point advantage in the third quarter.
• Merrimack threatened in the fourth and final quarter, cutting the Highlanders lead down to six, but were ultimately unable to catch up.

HIGHLANDER HIGHLIGHTS

• Zoe Tillery led the Highlanders' offense with 20 points and three rebounds. She was 4-8 on three-pointers, 8-10 from the free throw line and 4-9 on field goals.
• Matehya Bryant was just one point shy of her third double double this season with ten points and nine rebounds. She also contributed three steals, two blocks and an assist.

UP NEXT

• The Highlanders remain on the East Coast, traveling to New Hampshire to challenge Dartmouth on December 4. Tip off is scheduled for 11:00 AM PT.