NORTHRIDGE, Calif. —
Barrington Hargress delivered a game-high 27 points, to lead UC Riverside to a 68-64 victory over the CSUN Matadors in their Big West opener on Thursday night at the Premier America Credit Union Arena in Northridge.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Highlanders (5-4, 1-0 Big West) trailed by four at halftime but surged in the second half, outscoring CSUN 37-29 to secure the win.
- Hargress went 11-for-26 from the field and added four steals, providing the offensive spark UC Riverside needed.
- Kaleb Smith contributed 14 points and five rebounds, while Nate Pickens added seven points, five rebounds, and four assists.
- UC Riverside shot 39% from the field and hit nine three-pointers, while going 13-for-15 from the free-throw line to close out the game.
- The Highlanders' defense forced 18 turnovers and scored 18 points off those miscues, helping to offset being outrebounded 38-33. UC Riverside's bench provided valuable contributions, including 10 points from Isaiah Moses, who hit a late three-pointer to regain the lead.
- UC Riverside led 65-64 with under 30 seconds remaining after Hargress's decisive layup. Two free throws by Niyi Olabode with five seconds left sealed the victory, as the Highlanders forced a turnover on CSUN's final possession to secure the win.
COACH MAGPAYO ON THE GAME
"We knew this would be a tough, hostile environment, and the team rose to the challenge," said head coach
Mike Magpayo. "Having our former captain
Kyle Owens in the house gave us a little extra inspiration. A bit of that #DoItForKO magic helped nudge us over the top."
Magpayo added, "The guys took their early punch, stood their ground, and played incredible defense against a team that averages 82 points per game. It's always tough to win on the road, but this was a great way to kick off conference play."
NOTABLES
- UC Riverside captured their team high 10 steals on the season against CSUN.
- After this win, the Highlanders are now 8-2 in the previous 10 games against the Matadors.
- With 27 points scored in this game for Hargress, it is his 5th game that he has scored 20+ points in this season.
UP NEXT
- The Highlanders return to Riverside this Saturday, December 7th to take on the Cal State Fullerton Titans in the SRC Arena at 5:00 p.m.
