LONG BEACH, Calif. – UC Riverside hit the road for the first of two away from the SRC Arena and took on Long Beach State. Two weeks ago they topped the Beach 77-59, but tonight at the Pyramid, they fell 75-72.
Long Beach State ended the game on a 9-0 run to seal it.
The Highlanders took a 25-17 lead at the end of the first. One of their best opening quarters of the year. UCR scored the first six points of the game. Then Long Beach State came back and scored the next seven to take a one point lead. The Highlanders went on a 19-10 run to end the first.
In the second quarter the tables turned. Long Beach State heated up offensively behind Rosie Akot and Khylee Pepe who scored 13 combined points to start the quarter. In all it was a 15-3 run by the Beach and they took a 31-30 lead.
Bria Shine's layup put UCR back on top. The Highlanders took a three point lead after a pair of free throws from
Hannah Wickstrom, but Long Beach State tied it up on a three by Brynna Pukis.
It was the start of another 9-0 run for Long Beach State. At the end of the first half Long Beach State held a 40-36 lead.
The Beach built up a seven point lead to start the third. Then the Highlanders battled back scoring at the line and battling in the paint. Suddenly they found themselves leading 50-47 over Long Beach State. After a Wickstrom jumper the Highlanders held a seven point advantage and looked like they were in control of the game. Every time the Beach tried to make a run at the Highlanders, UCR was steady and held a 59-55 lead going into the final quarter.
In the fourth the Beach scored the first seven points and took a 62-59 lead. After a
Kaylani Polk jumper and a Wickstrom three the Highlanders were back on top 64-62.
Midway through the fourth UCR held a six point lead. It was at that point the Beach ended the game on a third 9-0 run to take the rematch.
The Highlanders had three in double figures, Wickstrom (28), Polk (10) and
Maya Chocano (10). Wickstrom also added ten rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Wickstrom also added five steals and five assists in the losing effort.
Next up is Cal Poly on Saturday at 2PM. That game will be in SLO for the final meeting of the year between the Mustangs and the Highlanders.
