The UC San Diego men’s basketball team fell to UC Riverside Saturday 85-81, despite a 32-point performance from Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones.
The first half was a back and forth battle for most of the first 20 minutes, but the Highlanders made multiple three-point shots to build a 44-35 lead at the break. UC Riverside shot 58.1% in the first half, compared to only 41.9% for the Tritons.
The first 10 minutes of the second half saw both teams trade baskets, with no team really making any big movement.
As soon as the clock showed less than 10 minutes, UC San Diego made a run, highlighted by a Hayden Gray three and a layup from Tait-Jones, plus the foul, to tie the game up at 65 all with eight minutes left.
The Highlanders would immediately respond, going on an 8-0 run to build a lead that would be too much to overcome for the Tritons.
UC San Diego had a chance to tie the game in the final minute after a missed free-throw, but a three-point shot was no good.
Barrington Hargress carried the load for the Highlanders with 40 points on 14-22 shooting. The Highlanders had four of five starters score 10 points or more.
After a 12-game win streak, the Tritons have now lost two of three to drop to 15-4 on the season. UC Riverside improved to 11-8.
UC San Diego returns home Thursday to play UC Santa Barbara next.
