Irvine Sinks to New Low in 80-53 Loss

If this wasn’t rock bottom, it certainly was deep enough. All you had to do was listen to UC Irvine’s leadership.

“I prefer not to talk,” said senior Paul Foster, the Anteaters’ lone returning starter.

“I’m so confused right now, I don’t know what to tell you,” point guard Lamarr Parker said.

It was a somber evening after Irvine lost to Eastern Washington, 80-53, Wednesday in front of 884 at Reese Court. Being smoked by Washington State, as the Anteaters were Monday, is one thing. Being blown out by Eastern Washington, a team that won three games last season, is another matter.

The Eagles (3-2) put the game away with a 28-8 run midway through the second half. They finished it off with a 12-0 run for a 65-40 lead with 9 minutes 38 seconds left.

Thus, Irvine (0-3) was lumped with Western Montana and Grambling, the Eagles’ other two victories.

Eastern Washington controlled the inside. Center Kevin Lewis, a transfer from Kansas State, scored 19 points. Forward Karim Scott scored 16 and had eight rebounds, including six offensive rebounds. Lewis and Scott each had 10 points in the second half.

Only Wendell Robinson, a junior college transfer, provided any spark for Irvine. He scored 17 points and had 11 of his team’s first 17 points before picking up his third foul with 7:47 left in the half.