RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Nate Pickens delivered a game-winning three-pointer with just four seconds remaining to lift UC Riverside to a thrilling 60-58 victory over UC Davis on Thursday night at the SRC Arena. The Highlanders improved to 14-8 overall and 7-3 in Big West play.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Nate Pickens scored the decisive three-pointer off a clutch assist from Barrington Hargress, capping a tightly contested game with 12 lead changes and seven ties.
• Kaleb Smith led the Highlanders with 14 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc, while Hargress added nine points and six assists.
• Isaiah Moses chipped in nine points, including three key three-pointers, while Joel Armotrading dominated the glass with nine rebounds and added four points.
• The Highlanders trailed 58-57 with under 20 seconds left but forced a turnover and capitalized on Pickens' dramatic game-winner. UC Davis missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer, sealing the victory for UC Riverside.

FROM COACH MAGPAYO

• "We knew UC Davis' style of play heading into the game—they thrive on physicality. We emphasized the importance of staying strong and having each other's backs throughout the game. It was our student-athletes like Gavin, Rikus, and Kaleb stepping up to battle that made the difference. And Nate Pickens, who took on the toughest defensive assignment all night, stayed ready and hit the game winning shot for his only basket of the night. It was an amazing game, and I couldn't be prouder of our team."

NOTABLES

• Pickens' game-winning three-pointer marked his only made field goal of the night.
• Kaleb Smith's 14 points marked his fourth game scoring in double-digits.
• The Highlanders shot 42.3% from the field and 40.9% from three-point range while holding UC Davis to just 26.3% shooting from beyond the arc.

UP NEXT

• UC Riverside will return to the SRC Arena to host Cal Poly on Saturday, February 1st, with tip-off set for 5:00 p.m. as the Highlanders aim to continue their momentum in Big West play.