RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The UC Riverside Highlanders fought through 14 ties and 12 lead changes to claim an 84-80 overtime victory against the UC Irvine Anteaters. The Highlanders improved to 12-8 overall and 5-3 in Big West play with the hard-fought win.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Barrington Hargress led the Highlanders with 20 points, including a go-ahead jumper in overtime and a crucial assist on a late three-pointer. He also added six rebounds and eight assists.
• Nate Pickens contributed 11 points, including a clutch three-pointer in overtime, and Kaleb Smith added 13 points and seven rebounds.
• The game saw 14 ties and 12 lead changes, with neither team able to build a lead larger than seven points in regulation. UC Riverside forced overtime with a defensive stand in the final seconds of the second half, preventing UC Irvine from attempting a game-winning shot.
• In overtime, the Highlanders pulled away with timely shooting and critical free throws, including two by Isaiah Moses in the final seconds to seal the win.

FROM COACH MAGPAYO

• "I am proud of our teams gritty performance against a team I respect and consider one of the toughest opponents in our league! Go Highlanders!"

NOTABLES

• The Highlanders hand the Anteaters their first Big West conference loss this season.
• UC Riverside's bench played a significant role, contributing 34 points, led by Isaiah Moses and Jack Whitbourn, who each scored 11.
• Joel Armotrading grabbed a team-high eight rebounds and dished out six assists to anchor UC Riverside's interior play.
• This is UC Riverside's third overtime win of the season.

UP NEXT
The Highlanders will head on the road to face Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday, January 25th, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m., as they look to build on their momentum in Big West play.