Edmond Leads First-Half Surge to Pace UCI Victory

Malachi Edmond sparked a first-half rally to put UC Irvine on track in an 80-62 victory over Kraitene Marijampole (Lithuania) in an exhibition game Friday in the Bren Center.

Edmond, a junior guard, had five points, four rebounds and three steals in the last eight minutes of the first half, sparking a 26-7 run that gave Irvine a 37-31 halftime lead.

Sean Jackson had nine points and Jerry Green eight during the run. Edmond finished with nine points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.

The Anteaters played without forward Marek Ondera (back spasms), their leading rebounder and second leading scorer last season. Ondera, who suffered the same problem last spring, did not practice during the week and was examined by a doctor prior to the game.

“His back is a lot better,” Coach Pat Douglass said. “If he had to, he could have played. The doctor just felt it was best to rest.”

It left the Anteaters short-handed at power forward. Adam Stetson has been slowed because of a torn tendon in his left foot and also has a sore right foot.

Jackson made eight of 14 shots and finished with 20 points. He hit two three-pointers early and a 10-foot jumper to push the Anteater lead to 52-36.