ST. GEORGE, Utah — The Highlanders traded runs with Utah Tech for most of the afternoon and pulled within one possession several times in the second half, but the Trailblazers answered each push as the Highlanders fell 77–69 on Saturday at Burns Arena.

Osiris Grady led UC Riverside with 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting, adding four rebounds and three blocks in one of his most efficient outings of the season. Andrew Henderson followed with 16 points, hitting two three-pointers and finishing 6-for-16 from the field. Marqui Worthy Jr. added 10 points, four rebounds and three assists while playing all 40 minutes.

De'Undrae Perteete and Jailen Daniel-Dalton each scored eight, with Daniel-Dalton adding five rebounds off the bench. BJ Kolly finished with six points, five rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes.

UC Riverside shot 50 percent from the field and outscored Utah Tech 36–34 in the paint but finished 5-for-19 from three and 12-for-17 at the line. 

UC Riverside is now 4–4 and opens Big West play next week, with conference action on Thursday, Dec. 4 at UC Irvine.