Herdman, Anderson Lead UCI’s Exhibition Victory

The UC Irvine basketball team, led by the outside shooting of Jeff Herdman and Justin Anderson, shot past High Five America in the second half for a 99-96 exhibition victory Wednesday at Irvine’s Bren Center.

Herdman and Anderson, who figure to be the Anteaters’ three-point specialists this season, looked in midseason form as they combined for 21 second-half points. They also made six three-point shots between them, Anderson making four.

Sparked by their performance, UCI outscored High Five America, 41-19, in the game’s final 14 minutes.

“You’ve got to be encouraged when you’re able to come back from 18 down against some pretty good ball players,” UC Irvine Coach Bill Mulligan said.

High Five America, an anti-drug club team that had defeated such teams as Villanova and Wichita State, featured Eric White (Pepperdine, Clippers) and John Hatten, who played for Cal State Long Beach last season.

Irvine trailed, 76-58, with 14 minutes to play. High Five America led by five at halftime and outscored Irvine, 22-9, in the first six minutes of the second half, building that lead with the help of five three-point shots.

“That happened because one of their guys would beat one of ours, and when another one of our guys came to help they just dished off to the open man for the shot,” said Mulligan.

Mulligan was pleased with his team’s offensive effort, but said the defense still leaves much to be desired.

Herdman, Anderson and Rod Palmer each had 18 points to lead UC Irvine. High Five America was led by Doug Spradley, who had 21, and Pat Hamilton, who had 20.