Davis, Calif. — A packed University Credit Union experienced pure heart-break as the UC Davis Men's Basketball Team (11-8, 4-3) suffered a two-point defeat at the hands of the UC Riverside Highlanders. Tying a career-high, Christian Anigwe led the Aggies with 22 points on 7-13 shooting from the field.

An unusual start for the Aggies who entered the contest ranked 11th in the nation in free throw attempts, UC Davis left the first half with no free throw attempts. Instead, the Ags relied on the perimeter scoring of Elijah Pepper and Kane Milling. Hitting a couple jumpers while shooting 4-10 from the field in the first half, Pepper led the Aggies after 20 minutes with nine points. Milling was able to nail two three pointers of his own and finish the first half with 8 points. 

Showing off their physicality again, UC Davis finished the first half with 20 rebounds and it has proven to be a key that teams are aware of when scouting the Aggies. 

The difference in the second half was UC Riverside answering back and crashing the boards themselves. In a game that was going to be decided by whoever made the "last play," it was the Highlanders responding with 17 second half rebounds, capitalizing on second chance opportunities. The Highlanders finished the second half going 16-30 from the field and made most of their damage from inside the arc. 

A true back and forth battle, the lead changed seven times, while being tied eight times throughout the night.

Entering the week, a key was figuring out how to slow down Zyon Pullin, the leading scorer in the Big West. Any attempt to take down UC Riverside started with ensuring the Aggies could make life difficult for him. While that held true for the most of the night as he only finished with eight points for just the third time this year he has been held to under double digit figures, he delivered the two biggest points of the night as he banked in a game-winning layup off the glass to lift UC Riverside to victory.

GAME NOTES

• UC Davis had three members in double figures, Christian Anigwe (22 PTS), Elijah Pepper (19 PTS), Ty Johnson (13 PTS).
• The Aggies finished the night shooting 42.6% from the field. 
• Ags made seven three pointers on the night and shot a clip of 41.2% from three.
• The Aggies lost the rebound battle 36-34.
• UC Davis had 12 fast break points compared to none for UC Riverside.
• Spreading the ball around in a game that was full of grit, the Aggies had 13 assists.
• Stepping up on defense in key moments, the Aggies had four blocks from their front court duo of Ade Adebayo and Anigwe. 

UP NEXT

The Aggies are back at the University Credit Union Center, Saturday as they host Cal Poly. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 P.M. PT.