Score: UC Davis 74, UC Riverside 66
Location: University Credit Union Center, Davis, Calif.
Records: UC Davis 12-8, 5-4 Big West | UC Riverside 7-14, 2-7 Big West

THE SHORT STORY: UC Davis delivered a dominant performance on Saturday afternoon, leading from tip-off to the final buzzer in a 74-66 wire-to-wire victory over UC Riverside. Four Aggies scored in double figures as the team combined efficient perimeter shooting with stifling defense to secure their fifth conference win of the season.
 

• Nils Cooper paced the Aggies with a game-high 19 points, team-high seven rebounds, and five assists. Cooper also added a steal and a block.
• Connor Sevilla and Isaiah Chappell provided offensive firepower alongside Cooper, scoring 14 points apiece.
• Brayden Fagbemi was a spark off the bench, filling the stat sheet with 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
• The Aggies continued to share the ball with efficiency, recording 18 assists on 25 made field goals.
• UC Davis was lethal from deep, shooting 43.8 percent (7-of-16) from three-point range.
• The defense held firm, forcing 13 turnovers and limiting the Highlanders to just 30 rebounds while grabbing 33 of their own.
• The 66 points allowed was the lowest point total surrendered by the Aggies in a Big West game this season, and the third lowest point total allowed all season.

• The Aggies wasted no time asserting control, exploding out of the gates with a 21-6 run in the first 12 minutes.
• The defense was locked in early, allowing UC Davis to build a double-digit cushion that they carried into the break, leading 36-25 at halftime.
• In the second half, UC Davis maintained their composure and offensive rhythm. Whenever UC Riverside attempted to chip away at the deficit, the Aggies responded with timely baskets and defensive stops.
• UC Davis kept the Highlanders at arm's length, cruising to a comfortable 74-66 victory without ever surrendering the lead, despite the game's pace being determined at the free throw line late.

UP NEXT
UC Davis continues Big West play on Thursday, Jan. 29 at CSUN. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.