RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The Highlanders pushed Cal Poly to the final minutes Saturday night at the SRC Arena, but the Highlanders came up just short in a 94–87 decision in a tightly contested Big West matchup.

Andrew Henderson delivered a standout performance for UC Riverside, scoring a season-high 39 points, just one point shy of tying the UCR single-game scoring record. Henderson shot 17-for-31 from the field and knocked down four 3-pointers, consistently keeping the Highlanders within striking distance in a game that featured seven ties and 11 lead changes.

The Highlanders trailed by just two at the break, 46–44, after Cal Poly scored in the final seconds of the first half. UC Riverside briefly grabbed the lead early in the second half and remained within one or two possessions for much of the final 10 minutes, but Cal Poly's efficiency at the free-throw line down the stretch proved decisive.

Marqui Worthy Jr. added 18 points for UC Riverside and also shared team-high honors with seven rebounds. Ben Waller and Osiris Grady each pulled down seven rebounds as well, helping the Highlanders finish with a 41–30 edge on the glass.

UC Riverside shot 47.0% from the field and 40.0% from 3-point range, keeping pace offensively throughout the night. Despite multiple late stops and timely baskets, the Highlanders were unable to overcome Cal Poly's 17-for-21 performance at the foul line in the closing minutes.

The Highlanders are on the road all of next week with their first matchup on Thursday, February 5th, against Cal State Fullerton for a 7pm tipoff time.