IRVINE, Calif. – The Highlanders rolled into the OC tonight to take on the Anteaters for the second time this season. Earlier this month UCI topped UCR, 77-40 in the SRC Arena. Tonight it was much closer, but UCI won again, 74-68.
A strong fourth quarter for the Anteaters was the difference, outscoring the Highlanders, 20-10. For the first three quarters, UC Riverside was right there. They led at the half (34-33) and at the end of the third (58-54). It was a slow start to the fourth as UCR scored only three points through the first six and half minutes.
In the final three-plus minutes of the game the offense started to pick up, but UCI built up enough of a lead that the closest the Highlanders got was within four. They just ran out of time.
For the fourth time this year,
Hannah Wickstrom scored 30. She did it on 13-19 from the floor including 3-5 from distance.
Taylor Swanson and
Kaylani Polk were the other two Highlanders in double figures scoring 14 and 12 respectively.
Polk also led the team in assists with six. Tonight marked the fifth time this year she posted five-plus assists in a game.
Bria Shine pulled down a game high ten boards for the Highlanders. It was the second time this season she grabbed ten or more rebounds.
UC Riverside is back at it on Saturday, January 24 as the UC Davis Aggies come to the IE for the final time as Big West Conference foes. They head to the Mountain West next year. Game time is 2PM.
