Von Lutzow, Stewart Lead Irvine to Exhibition Victory

Jeff Von Lutzow scored 22 points and Keith Stewart added 21 as UC Irvine defeated Melbourne, 93-80, in front of 1,033 Friday at the Bren Center in the Anteaters’ final exhibition game.

Andrew Gaze, the former Seton Hall star, scored 31 points for Melbourne, a touring Australian team.

Stewart, who made four of five three-point shots in the second half, made eight of 14 shots, including five three-pointers.

Keith Walker, a transfer from California, added 11 points, freshman Todd Whitehead from Fremont High School added 10 and Lloyd Mumford, a transfer from Villanova, had eight assists.

Dee Boyer, Irvine’s starting center, did not play because he has shin splints. He is expected to be available for the season-opener Tuesday at Boston University.

“I thought we played well defensively but not very well offensively,” said Irvine Coach Rod Baker, who is beginning his second season. “Even though we scored 93 points, we still need to refine some things and play better half-court offense.”