Box Score

Irvine, Calif. – Irene Chavez had a career-night, but UC Irvine lost to cross-county rival Cal State Fullerton, 62-51, at the Bren Events Center Thursday.

Chavez posted a career-high 22 points off the bench to lead UCI. The sophomore guard went  8-11 from the floor, including 4-5 three-pointers.  

UCI sophomore forward Chloe Kellum had a career-high nine points and seven rebounds, while sophomore forward Mokun Fajemisin had a game-high 10 rebounds. Junior guard Raelyn Cheung-Sutton recorded eight points and five assists.

The Anteaters shot 65.2 percent (15-23) from the floor in the second half, but hit just 18.5 percent (5-27) in the first.

The Titans knocked down eight three-pointers and shot 41.7 percent (25-60) from the field for the game. CSF had 36 rebounds to UCI's 32.

A trio of Titans had double-figure scoring with Daeja Smith and Tailer Butler pacing the squad with 13 points apiece. Chante Miles added 11 points and seven assists playing all 40 minutes. Hailey King totaled nine points and tied Smith for the team lead in rebounds with eight.

Cal State Fullerton scored the first eight points of the game until UCI broke the ice with an Irene Chavez three-pointer at 14:18 (8-3). The Titans would score eight in a row to extend the advantage to 29-10 (2:26) and hold a 31-12 halftime lead. UCI's 12 first half points was a season low.

A Raelyn Cheung-Sutton jumper at 12:10 brought the Anteaters within 41-28, but Fullerton would answer with three-pointers on their next two possessions to keep UCI at a comfortable distance. UCI would score the last eight points of the game for the 62-51 final score.

UCI is still looking for the first conference win (0-3) and go to 3-15 overall. Cal State Fullerton improves to 8-7 overall and 2-0 in the Big West.

UCI will return to action hosting Cal State Northridge next Thursday (Jan. 22) at 7:00 p.m. in the Bren Center.

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