FULLERTON, Calif. — The UC Riverside Highlanders secured a hard-fought 64-59 victory over the Cal State Fullerton Titans on Saturday night, wrapping up the regular season with a strong defensive effort. The Highlanders finished 21-11 overall and 14-6 in Big West play, heading into the Big West Basketball Championship with momentum.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Barrington Hargress led the way with 22 points, shooting 8-for-14 from the field while adding four assists and three rebounds.
• Isaiah Moses chipped in 12 points, hitting three three-pointers and collecting four rebounds.
• Kaleb Smith contributed eight points, while Nate Pickens recorded six rebounds and knocked down two free throws in the final seconds solidifying the win.
• Jack Whitbourn provided a spark off the bench with 10 points and 10 rebounds, securing a key double-double.
• The game was tightly contested throughout, featuring eight ties and seven lead changes. The Highlanders and Titans were deadlocked at 25-25 at halftime before UC Riverside found its rhythm in the second half.
• A crucial 8-3 run midway through the second half, highlighted by a layup from Hargress, a three-pointer from Moses, and a second-chance basket by Whitbourn, helped UC Riverside take control.
• Pickens iced the game with two clutch free throws at the 13-second mark, followed by a defensive rebound by Hargress to close it out.

NOTABLES

• Hargress recorded his 18th game of the season with 20+ points.
• Whitbourn secured his first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
• UC Riverside dominated the glass, outrebounding Fullerton 41-38, including eight offensive rebounds that led to key second-chance points.
• The Highlanders held Fullerton to just 35% shooting from the field, forcing tough shots down the stretch.

UP NEXT

• UC Riverside awaits official seeding as they look ahead to Henderson, Nevada, for the Big West Basketball Championship.