LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Highlanders battled early but could not keep pace in the second half, falling 97–65 to UCLA on Tuesday night at Pauley Pavilion.

Osiris Grady led the Highlanders with 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting, providing consistent offense inside while playing 38 minutes. BJ Kolly added 12 points, going 8-for-10 at the free-throw line, and Marqui Worthy Jr. finished with 11 points while also leading UC Riverside with seven assists. Andrew Henderson contributed five points and four assists, while Jailen Daniel-Dalton added eight points and a team-high seven rebounds off the bench.

UC Riverside kept the game competitive through the opening half which included five ties as they trailed 45–34 at the break. Grady scored efficiently in the paint, and the Highlanders stayed within striking distance by attacking inside and converting at the free-throw line, shooting 83.3 percent from the stripe in the first half.

UCLA opened the second half with a strong surge, outscoring UC Riverside 52–31 after the break to pull away. The Bruins capitalized on second-chance opportunities and transition offense, while the Highlanders struggled to generate consistent perimeter shooting, finishing 3-for-15 from three-point range.

UC Riverside shot 42.6 percent from the field and recorded 17 assists on 23 made baskets. The Highlanders scored 32 points in the paint and received 17 points from the bench, but UCLA's efficiency and depth proved decisive over the final 20 minutes.

The Highlanders return to the SRC Arena as they continue Big West Play against Hawai'i on Thursday, Jan. 1st with tipoff set for 5pm.