IRVINE, Calif.
— In an exciting matchup, UC Irvine secured a commanding victory over Cal State Bakersfield with a final score of 82-66 on Thursday night. Justin Hohn emerged as a key player for the Anteaters, scoring 19 points and facilitating the team’s offense with eight assists. This win marked an impressive start for UC Irvine in the Big West Conference, with their overall season record improving to 9-0 and 1-0 in conference play.

Supporting Hohn, Jurian Dixon showcased his abilities by contributing 17 points, shooting 4 of 9 from the floor while also converting 9 of 13 free-throw attempts. In addition to his scoring, he made three steals, enhancing his defensive stats. Bent Leuchten played a vital role as well, finishing the game with 15 points. Leuchten demonstrated an efficient shooting performance, making 5 of 7 attempts from the field and hitting all four of his free-throw shots. He also contributed significantly on the boards with seven rebounds and showcased his defensive prowess with three blocks.

On the other side, the Roadrunners from Cal State Bakersfield struggled to keep pace despite strong performances from their leading players. Jemel Jones stood out with a game-high 24 points along with eight rebounds, trying to rally his team throughout the contest. Corey Stephenson also put up a solid effort, contributing 18 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Additionally, Marvin McGhee added nine points to the team’s total.

Overall, UC Irvine’s balanced scoring and strong defensive performance were crucial in establishing their dominance in the game, setting a positive tone for their season ahead. With their upcoming games, the Anteaters aim to maintain their unbeaten streak as they navigate through the conference challenges ahead.