UC Irvine Improves, but Not Enough
UC Irvine, a work in progress on the basketball court, experienced a small step forward for the first time this season.
The Anteaters repeated many of the same mistakes that have plagued them this season in a 69-59 loss to Nevada Las Vegas Saturday. But the things they did right were almost enough for a victory.
The Rebels (4-0) needed a 18-3 run in the second half to overtake Irvine (0-4) in front of 2,098 at the Bren Center. The run erased a 48-40 Anteater lead. Las Vegas made six of eight free throws in the final minute to hold on.
The Anteaters stayed in a zone defense and dared, even begged, the Rebels to beat them from the outside. Las Vegas made only 22 of 61 shots and was seven-for-26 on three-pointers.
But Irvine turned the ball over 27 times and made only 13 of 29 free throws. The Anteaters missed three one-and-one attempts and two three-point-play opportunities in the second half.
So, instead of a win, Irvine had to settle for a improved effort.
Jermaine Smith, finished with 29 points, scoring seven of them in the final four minutes to put Las Vegas over the top.
Paul Foster scored 17 points for Irvine.
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