RIVERSIDE, Calif. — In an exciting matchup on Saturday night, Barrington Hargress shone brightly, scoring 26 points and leading UC Riverside to a convincing 81-69 victory over UC Santa Barbara.

Hargress was pivotal in the game, contributing not only his scoring but also dishing out six assists for the Highlanders, who improved their record to 17-10 overall and 10-5 within the Big West Conference. Nate Pickens supported the team with 18 points, showcasing his shooting proficiency by hitting 6 out of 12 attempts, including 4 for 8 from beyond the arc, while also securing five rebounds. Additionally, Isaiah Moses had a strong performance, knocking down 4 of 5 shots from the field and converting all six of his free throw attempts, finishing the night with 15 points.

On the opposing side, Kenny Pohto was the standout for the Gauchos, racking up 24 points along with a pair of steals. Max Murrell also made a significant contribution to UCSB’s offense, scoring 18 points, while Cole Anderson chipped in with 11 points. The Gauchos now hold a record of 16-10 overall and 8-7 in conference play.

Looking ahead, both teams will be back in action on Thursday. UC Riverside will host Long Beach State, while UC Santa Barbara will take on Cal State Fullerton in a home game.