Butler Helps UC Irvine Beat San Diego State, 75-62

The UC Irvine basketball team, trying to solve the mystery of its worst start in school history, found part of the solution Saturday night.

The Butler did it.

Ricky Butler scored 18 of his career-high 28 points in the first half, and Justin Anderson added 15 of his 17 in the second half as the Anteaters defeated San Diego State, 75-62, before a crowd of 2,130 at the Bren Center.

The Anteaters (2-5) broke a three-game losing streak and ended a five-game winning string by the Aztecs (5-3).

The Anteaters have struggled without their top two point guards, Ben Rishwain and Rod Palmer, who are sidelined with injuries.

But Butler was the center of attention Saturday night. Butler, a 6-foot-7 junior averaging 13.5 points, scored eight points in the final 6 minutes 26 seconds as the Anteaters held off an Aztec comeback.

The Aztecs led, 37-33, at halftime, but three three-point baskets by Anderson helped Irvine tie the score, 48-48. Don May’s three-point play and layup, and Craig Marshall’s two free throws gave the Anteaters a 55-48 lead. The Aztecs, who trailed by as many as 13 points, could get no closer.