Irvine Doubles Pleasure With Robinson’s Return

Even before UC Irvine had put the finishing touches on a 67-61 victory over Portland Thursday night, Wendell Robinson was ready to celebrate.

Robinson, who learned only Thursday morning that he was eligible, began waving his arms during a timeout with 24 seconds left, getting a reaction in return from a crowd of 704 at the Bren Center. He had earned the right.

Robinson’s 17 points and nine rebounds led the Anteaters to their second victory this season--doubling their 1996-97 output--and first over a Division I team.

Robinson, a senior who averaged 8.1 points last season, was academically ineligible for the fall quarter. He attended two summer school sessions and waited the last three days for one last grade to come in. It did, and the 6-foot-8 Robinson was ready to go.

He made six of 10 shots and scored 13 of his points in the second half. His layup and foul shot with 2 minutes 47 seconds left gave Irvine a 62-52 lead. Robinson then made three of four free throws in the final 25 seconds.

The Anteaters (2-5), who shot 55%, also got a good effort from Matt Willard, who had been sidelined since the season opener because of mononucleosis. Willard, a 6-9 junior, scored eight points in 16 minutes.

Dionn Holton scored 16 points for Portland (6-3).