In a stunning turn of events, UC Riverside pulled off a significant upset at the SRC Arena, defeating Cal State Fullerton 81-72. This victory is all the more impressive considering UC Riverside's lower net ranking of 279 compared to Cal State Fullerton's 196. The Highlanders' win will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the college basketball landscape, as they took down a team that was expected to come out on top.
Marqui Worthy Jr. was the star of the show for UC Riverside, scoring 22 points to lead his team to victory. He was aided by strong performances from Andrew Henderson, who tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds, and BJ Kolly, who chipped in with 12 points and 10 rebounds of his own. On the other side, Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro was the top performer for Cal State Fullerton, posting 17 points and 6 rebounds in a losing effort.
At halftime, UC Riverside held a comfortable 43-34 lead, thanks in large part to their strong shooting and rebounding. The Highlanders maintained their intensity in the second half, fending off a late push from Cal State Fullerton to secure the 9-point win. Despite being outscored 38-38 in the second period, UC Riverside's first-half cushion was too much for the Titans to overcome.
This upset victory is a significant boost to UC Riverside's resume, particularly considering it was a Quadrant 4 game for both teams. While it may not drastically alter their tournament chances, it does demonstrate the Highlanders' ability to compete against and beat teams that, on paper, appear to be superior. For Cal State Fullerton, the loss is a setback, but it's essential to remember that it was still a Quadrant 4 game, which carries less weight in the eyes of the selection committee.
Without a pre-game prediction to reference, it's clear that UC Riverside's victory was a surprise to many. However, the Highlanders' performance serves as a reflection of their resilience and determination. As the season progresses, UC Riverside want to build on this momentum, while Cal State Fullerton will aim to bounce back from the disappointing loss.
The implications of this result are clear: UC Riverside has proven it can hang with and beat teams that are perceived to be better. While this win may not be a resume-defining triumph, it's a crucial step in the right direction for a team looking to make a late-season push. For Cal State Fullerton, the focus will shift to regrouping and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead. As for UC Riverside, they'll look to capitalize on this momentum, hoping to string together a series of wins that could potentially alter their tournament trajectory.