HENDERSON, Nev. – Back inside The Dollar Loan Center for day two of the 2023 Hercules Tires Big West Women's Basketball Championship, presented by The Hawaiian Islands, the University of California Highlanders returned to face the #2 seed, the Long Beach State University Beach in the Quarterfinal match.

After yesterday's opening round win against the #7 seed Cal Poly Mustangs, the Highlanders looked to survive and advance, and for most of the game it looked like UC Riverside would upset the #2 seed. An explosive fourth quarter offense from the Beach proved too much for the Highlanders to handle, and LBSU will advance to the quarterfinal after routing UC Riverside 55-49.

The largest lead of the night for the Highlanders was 11 points coming at 7:43 in the third quarter. Highlanders played aggressive in hopes to hang on through the fourth quarter. 

The Beach diligently pieced a run together in the beginning of the final period, stifling the Highlanders offense and effectively drawing fouls. 

Matehya Bryant posted 19 points and 5 rebounds. Paris Atchley led the team in rebounds with 6. RyAnn Walters pitched in 4 assists and 3 steals.

The Highlanders wrap up the season 6-26 overall, and 3-17 in Big West play.