IRVINE, Calif. — The Highlanders opened Big West play Thursday night with a competitive effort on the road, but UC Irvine used efficient perimeter shooting and timely baskets down the stretch to hand the Highlanders a 73–60 loss at the Bren Events Center.

Marqui Worthy Jr. led all scorers with 26 points, going 6-for-13 from the field and 11-for-14 at the line while adding eight rebounds. Osiris Grady finished with 12 points, five rebounds, three blocks and two assists, and Andrew Henderson added 10 points and six boards. De'Undrae Perteete contributed eight points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.

UC Riverside trailed 37–26 at halftime, but Worthy opened the second half with a three-pointer to spark the offense. The Highlanders followed with several stops and inside finishes from Grady and Worthy, pulling back within eight before Irvine answered with a three and a pair of baskets inside to rebuild its lead.

UC Irvine finished 10-for-18 from three and shot 44.2 percent overall, while UC Riverside held a 41–38 rebounding advantage and outscored the Anteaters 26–22 in the paint. The Highlanders were limited to 30.5 percent shooting from the floor.

UC Riverside, now 4–6 overall and 0–1 in Big West play, continues conference action on Saturday, December 6, with a road matchup at Cal Poly scheduled for 4 p.m. in San Luis Obispo.