November 23, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

UCI men’s basketball team opens Big West play with 71-69 victory over UC Davis

Peter the Anteater entertains fans during a timeout at the Bren Center.

FINAL SCORE: UC 71 UC Davis 69 (overtime)

It was the Big West Conference men’s basketball opener tonight at the Bren Events Center as pre-season favorite UC Irvine hosts UC Davis.

It was a thriller with UCI winning 71-69 in overtime.

Evan Leonard scored 22 points and Max Hazzard had 15 points to lead UCI (13-4 overall).

UC Davis (4-11 overall) was led by former Tustin High star TJ Shorts II, who scored 21 points.