Irvine Knocks off Division II Chico State

Chico State, a Division II team, served its purpose. UC Irvine, which didn’t get its first--and only--victory until Jan. 23 last season, pulled away down the stretch for a 74-66 victory at the Bren Center.

The victory ended the Anteaters’ 14-game losing streak.

Irvine was 1-25 last season.

Junior Bond made two free throws to give the Anteaters (1-2) a 63-62 lead with 5 minutes 11 seconds left. It began a 13-4 run. Adam Stetson, who scored six during that stretch, made a three-point basket for a 70-64 lead and Chico State (2-2) folded.

“This is fabulous,” said Stetson, who had a game-high 25 points. “We want people here to get used to us winning.”

That euphoria may last only a short time. Irvine, after all, plays at No. 16 Utah a week from today. Still, it was a victory, one the Anteaters had to earn.

Dan Curtis’ layup gave Chico State a 49-44 lead with 15:22 left. Stetson followed with a three-point shot and a steal that led to a Juma Jackson layup.

Bond, a 5-8 junior, took control after that. He scored all eight of his points in the last 10 minutes.

Malachi Edmond scored 13 of his 16 points in the first half for Irvine.