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(Nov. 15, 2007) –
UC Riverside dropped a 59-51 decision to Eastern Washington
in Cheney, WA. Wednesday night. Senior Larry Cunningham led
the way again for UCR (0-3) with a game-high 20 points and
team-high six rebounds.
The Highlanders shot only
6-24 (25%) in the second half and were outscored by EWU (1-2)
37-18 in the final 20 minutes. Three Eagles finished in double
figures as Kellen Williams led the way, finishing the night
with a double-double, 17 points and 13 boards.
The first half started
out great for UCR, they took a 20-9 lead with eight to go
in the half after shooting 14 for 22 (63.6%) from the floor
and 4 of 7 (57.1%) behind the arc. The Eagles strung a couple
of baskets together late in the half but the Highlanders defense
held strong to take a 33-22 lead into the break.
It was as if two different
teams came out to start the second half. EWU came out hot,
opening with a 17-2 run to take a 39-35 lead just inside the
13th minute. UCR was unable to get the offense going until
sophomore Clevon Barlow’s layup and a pair of Cunningham
free-throws tied it up at 39-39 just past the 11 minute mark.
Just as UCR climbed back into it, the Eagles answered with
an 11-3 run to regain the lead at 50-42 with just over five
minutes to go.
Cunningham was all of the
Highlander offense in the second half, scoring 12 consecutive
points including all of a 7-0 UCR run to cut the EWU lead
to 50-49 at the 3:43 mark. The Eagles again answered with
a bucket that was then followed by Highlander sophomore Sean
Cunningham's jumper that brought UCR back to within three,
54-51 with 2:10 remaining.
UCR couldn't get a shot
to fall and was forced to foul in the final seconds, but EWU
closed the game by making 5 of 6 at line and escaped with
the win. The Eagles took advantage of their opportunities
at the line, finishing 24 for 32 (75%) as the Highlanders
were only awarded eight free-throws on the night, finishing
5 of 8 (62.5%).
Freshman Jalonni Diggs
finished with 11 points for the Highlanders, who continued
to lack an inside presence. UCR scored only 10 points in the
paint as the Eagles finished with 20 points scored from under
the basket.
Another tough test awaits
the Highlanders as they close out their season-opening 10-day
road trip with a game in Spokane, WA. against #14 Gonzaga
on Saturday.
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