RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The UC Riverside Highlanders defeated the UC Irvine Anteaters 59-54, securing their first win over UCI in four years. The victory snaps a seven-game losing streak for the Highlanders, who now hold a 37-28 all-time record against the Anteaters.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Highlanders opened with a dominant first quarter, outscoring the Anteaters 21-9. UC Riverside went on an 8-0 run, highlighted by Shelley Duchemin's six points.
- The second quarter was closely contested, with the Highlanders narrowly outscoring UC Irvine 16-14 to close the half with a 37-23 lead.
- UC Riverside extended their lead to 16 points, their largest of the game, early in the third quarter. However, the Anteaters responded, outscoring the Highlanders 16-11 to cut the deficit to 48-39 heading into the fourth.
- UC Irvine chipped away at the lead in the final quarter, including a 7-0 run to bring the score to 52-51 Highlanders with one minute remaining.
- Makayla Rose delivered a clutch three-pointer with 41.8 seconds left, extending the Highlanders' lead to 55-51. UC Riverside held firm in the final moments to seal the 59-54 victory.
COACH LANGSTON ON THE GAME
This was a great overall team win. The toughness and resilience this team showed in such a short turnaround is tremendous. We're very proud of the way the team executed the game plan.
NOTABLES
- Duchemin led the Highlanders with 14 points and added six rebounds.
- Rose and Esther Matarranz contributed 10 points each, with Rose dishing out five assists and Matarranz pulling down nine rebounds.
UP NEXT
- The Highlanders hit the road to face the Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine on Jan. 9, with tip-off scheduled for 9 p.m.
