PROVO, UT – The UC Riverside Highlanders put up a resilient fight on the road against the BYU Cougars in Utah, ultimately coming up just short in a hard-fought 86-80 loss.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the first half, the Highlanders shot 46.15% from three-point range (6 of 13) and an impressive 87.5% from the free-throw line (7 of 8). Despite this strong start, they entered halftime trailing BYU, 40-33.
• UC Riverside remained competitive in the second half, pushing to the free-throw line and converting 12 of 15 attempts. They also recorded six of their eight total steals in this half but ultimately fell short, 86-80.
• Throughout the game, UCR capitalized on BYU's mistakes, scoring 12 points off turnovers. They also added 14 points in the paint and saw strong contributions from their bench, which chipped in 21 points. Defensively, UCR forced 10 turnovers.
• Kaleb Smith led the Highlanders with 20 points, hitting three shots from beyond the arc and going nearly perfect at the free-throw line (9 of 10).
• Nate Pickens contributed a solid 18 points, including three three-pointers.
• Barrington Hargress rounded out UCR's top scorers with 16 points and five assists.

NOTABLES

• The Highlanders set season-highs in points (80), rebounds (31), and steals (8).

UP NEXT

• UC Riverside will travel across town to face California Baptist University on Tuesday, Nov. 12th at 7:00 p.m.