Barrington Hargress delivered a career-high 26 points and six assists, powering UC Riverside to an emphatic 81-69 win over UC Santa Barbara in a high-stakes Big West Conference showdown on Saturday. The Highlanders (17-10, 10-5) solidified their third-place standing with this crucial victory, while UCSB (16-10, 8-7) saw its three-game winning streak snapped.
Hargress dominated from the opening tip, driving aggressively and orchestrating plays that left UCSB scrambling defensively. His backcourt partner, Nate Pickens, added 18 points with four three-pointers, stretching the Gauchos’ defense. Isaiah Moses provided efficient scoring off the bench, hitting all six free throws to finish with 15 points.
UC Riverside’s offensive versatility proved decisive, as they shot 52% from the field and 82% from the charity stripe. Head coach Mike Magpayo emphasized teamwork post-game:
When Barrington attacks the rim like that, it opens everything up. Our shooters stayed ready, and that balance is why we’re dangerous.
UCSB’s Kenny Pohto battled valiantly with 24 points, but the Gauchos struggled to contain Riverside’s perimeter assault. Max Murrell contributed 18 points, while sharpshooter Cole Anderson cooled off late, finishing with 11 on 3-of-9 shooting.
Key factors in the Highlanders’ victory:
- 26-12 advantage in fast-break points
- 42% three-point accuracy compared to UCSB’s 31%
- 20 assists showcasing offensive cohesion
With three regular-season games remaining, both teams face critical matchups on Thursday:
- UC Riverside hosts Long Beach State (18-9, 10-5) in a battle for conference positioning
- UCSB returns home to face Cal State Fullerton (11-16, 5-10)
This win inches Riverside closer to securing a first-round bye in the Big West Tournament, while the Gauchos must regroup to avoid slipping into the lower bracket. The Highlanders’ dynamic backcourt tandem of Hargress and Pickens continues to emerge as one of the conference’s most potent offensive threats.