In a thrilling basketball showdown, Barrington Hargress led the charge with an impressive 25 points, pushing UC Riverside to a hard-fought 82-76 victory over Hawaii on Thursday night in Honolulu.
Hargress showcased his scoring prowess by connecting on 9 of 19 shots from the field. His performance included a solid touch from the free-throw line, where he was successful on 6 of his 7 attempts. Despite a quieter night from beyond the arc, going 1 for 3, his overall contribution was pivotal for the Highlanders, who now stand at 19-11 overall and 12-6 in the Big West Conference.
The Highlanders’ offensive efforts were further bolstered by Isaiah Moses and Kaleb Smith, each adding 14 points to the team’s tally. Moses, a key player who went 4 for 11 in field goals and landed 2 of 5 from long range, also excelled at the free-throw line with a perfect 4 of 5. Moreover, Moses contributed significantly across the board with seven rebounds. Smith was efficient with his shots, achieving 5 out of 10 and 2 for 4 from three-point distance.
On the Hawaii side, Gytis Nemeiksa stood out with 17 points, making him the top scorer for the Rainbow Warriors. His efforts were complemented by Ryan Rapp, who added a noteworthy 16 points to the scoreboard. Aaron Hunkin-Claytor also made a significant impact, contributing 11 points along with five assists and two steals, showcasing his versatility on the court. The Rainbow Warriors are now at an overall 14-14 with a 6-11 conference record.
This electrifying matchup illustrated both teams’ determination and skill as they battled for supremacy on the court. UC Riverside’s tactical play and consistent scoring were essential in overcoming the resilient Rainbow Warriors.
