RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Kaleb Smith led UC Riverside with 21 points, including five 3-pointers, as the Highlanders rolled to a 79-51 victory over La Sierra on Thursday night at SRC Arena.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• UC Riverside set the tone early, building a 36-20 halftime lead behind an explosive offense that featured eight first-half 3-pointers. The Highlanders didn't let up after the break, scoring 43 second-half points to secure their second win of the season.
• Smith was one of three Highlanders in double figures. Barrington Hargress contributed 16 points and dished out five assists, while Isaiah Moses added 15 points, including four 3-pointers. Jack Whitbourn dominated the glass with a game-high 16 rebounds and chipped in four points.
• The Highlanders' defense stifled La Sierra, holding the Golden Eagles to 38% shooting and forcing 16 turnovers. UC Riverside also controlled the boards, outrebounding La Sierra 49-25 and converting 19 second-chance points.
• UC Riverside's 17 made 3-pointers were the difference-maker, accounting for 51 of their 79 points. The Highlanders' bench also contributed 21 points, underscoring their depth.

NOTABLES

• UC Riverside's 17 made 3-pointers came close to matching the program's single-game record of 19, set on November 19, 2022, against Occidental College.
• For the second consecutive game, Jack Whitbourn surpassed his season high in rebounds, finishing just two shy of the individual single-game record of 18, held by George Willborn since November 5, 2019, against Nebraska.

UP NEXT

• The Highlanders are on the road as they take on Santa Clara on Tuesday, November 19^th with tip-off set for 7:00 p.m.