RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The UC Riverside Highlanders used a high-powered offense and strong rebounding effort to cruise past Long Beach State 87-66 on Tuesday night at the SRC Arena. The Highlanders improved to 18-10 overall and 11-5 in Big West play with the win.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Nate Pickens beat his career single-game scoring record by scoring 27 points, shooting 8-for-13 from the field, 4-for-7 from three-point range, and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line.
• Barrington Hargress followed with 19 points, dishing out five assists and grabbing two steals.
• Isaiah Moses contributed 13 points, hitting three three-pointers and adding two assists.
• The Highlanders controlled the game early, leading 38-30 at halftime, before erupting for 49 points in the second half, shooting 51.6% from the field after the break.
• UC Riverside's defense held Long Beach State to just 25% shooting from beyond the arc while forcing 13 turnovers.

FROM COACH MAGPAYO
"I told Kaleb this week that I'm having the time of my life coaching this group. Through the ups and downs, this team never blinks, is coachable, and is all about each other. As a coach and coaching staff, we could not ask for a better group of young men," said coach Magpayo. 

"Nate Pickens exemplifies what this program is all about. Tasked with defending the opponent's best player, it's amazing to see him succeed on the offensive end. He's earned it, he works as hard as anyone I've ever coached. Seeing him operate after our loss last Thursday night over the next few days, he watched film, kept working after hours on his game and he's rewarded with two back to back big time games."

"We are fighting for seeding in the Big West Championship, every game and every possession matters as you get down the home stretch. The message tonight was Carpe Diem. Seize the Day. Stay in the moment and enjoy every part of this journey."


NOTABLES

• Pickens delivered a career-best performance as a Highlander, scoring a personal-high 27 points.
• Hargress has amassed 554 points this season so far, ranking 5th on UC Riverside's all-time single-season scoring list.
• UC Riverside outrebounded Long Beach State 39-23, including 16 offensive boards that led to 12 second-chance points.
• The Highlanders' bench contributed 18 points, providing key depth throughout the game.
• With this victory, UCR clinches their spot in the Big West Men's Basketball Championship.

UP NEXT
UC Riverside will travel to San Luis Obispo to take on Cal Poly with tip-off set for 2pm.