Saturday, December 29
Irvine, CA
2:00 PM PT
UC Irvine
vs
Seattle U
'Eaters Host Seattle in Non-Conference Finale
December 26, 2018 | Women's Basketball
Seattle University (0-12) at
UC Irvine (9-2)
Date: Saturday, Dec. 29
Time: 2 p.m. (PST)
Location: Bren Events Center (5,000) - Irvine, Calif.
Tickets // Watch // Listen on KUCI // Live Stats
UC Irvine Game Notes
IRVINE, Calif. - The UC Irvine women's basketball team wraps up non-conference play on Saturday, Dec. 29, when it welcomes Seattle U to the Bren Events Center for a 2 p.m. showdown.
STORYLINES
• UC Irvine remained at No. 22 in the latest College Insider Mid-Major Poll that was released on Dec. 26.
• At 9-2, the Anteaters are off to their best 11-game start since 1983-84, when they were also 9-2.
• Through Dec. 23, the 'Eaters are fifth in the nation in turnover margin, 18th in steals and 19th in turnovers forced.
• UCI has forced at least 22 turnovers in all but three games, and had a season-high 36 against Life Pacific on Nov. 7.
• Jordan Sanders, who has scored 20+ points seven times, is second in the Big West and 12th in the nation with 21.7 ppg.
• She had back-to-back career highs last week with 29 points (13-18 FG) at Portland and 34 (15-25 FG) at Portland State.
• Her 34 points are tied for the fifth-most in UC Irvine single-game history, while her 15 made field goals rank third.
• Sanders was named the Big West Player of the Week on Dec. 17. It was the third time in four weeks she earned the honor.
• Over the last seven contests, Lauren Saiki is averaging 13.4 points and 8.4 assists, with a 4.21 assist-to-turnover ratio.
• Saiki ranks first in the conference and ninth in all of NCAA Division I with 6.5 assists per outing.
• In the last four games, Andee Ritter is averaging 18.0 points, and has knocked down 19 3-pointers (4.8/gm).
• She is shooting 66.5 percent (19-29) from beyond the arc during that stretch.
• Ritter has made 178 career 3-pointers, and is on pace to break the 26-year old school record of 198.
• She also ranks 39th in the country with 2.8 steals/game and is seventh in program history with 160 career takeaways.
WITH A WIN...
• UCI would secure its second consecutive 10+ win season for the first time since 2010-11 (15-15) and 2011-12 (13-17).
• The 'Eaters would enter Big West play with 10 victories for the first time since the conference's inaugural season in 1983-84.
• The Anteaters would extend their win streak against Seattle to three and improve to 5-1 in the all-time series.
A GLANCE AT SEATTLE
Seattle (0-12) is still searching for its first win of the season after falling to Cal Poly and Nevada last week. Junior guard Kamira Sanders has paced the Redhawks with 13.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Junior forward Joana Alves is also averaging 11.8 points and 5.6 rebounds.
SERIES RECORD
UC Irvine leads in its all-time series with Seattle U, 4-1. The Anteaters have come out on top in each of the last two meetings, including an 84-79 road victory last year. Sabrina Engelstad tallied 12 points in nine minutes, while Tahlia Garza finished with nine points and 10 rebounds. The 'Eaters are 1-1 against the Redhawks when playing at the Bren Events Center.
POW TIMES THREE
Sophomore Jordan Sanders took home her third Big West Player of the Week award in four weeks on Monday, Dec. 17. She was recognized following a then career-best 29 points (13-18 FG) and six steals in an 84-69 win at Portland. The 'Eaters led by one at the half, but Sanders scored 19 over the final 20 minutes to lift them to the 15-point victory. She added five rebounds and three blocks.
Just a couple weeks earlier, the 5-foot-11 forward became the first Anteater in program history to earn back-to-back Big West POW accolades as she received the nod on Nov. 26 and Dec. 3. During that stretch, she recorded four-straight 20-point outings against LIU Brooklyn (21), Indiana State (25), Bakersfield (22) and San Jose State (24). On Nov. 28, she was also named to the NCAA's Starting Five, which recognizes players with standout performances from around the country.
THE BIG THREE
Senior Andee Ritter, junior Lauren Saiki and sophomore Jordan Sanders have accounted for nearly 60 percent of UC Irvine's scoring. The trio has combined for 508 points (46.1 ppg) on 46 percent shooting. All three have scored at least 10 points in each of the last three outings, while they have totaled 27 double-figure scoring performances and nine 20-point outings on the year.
DEFENSIVE PRESENCE
The 'Eaters have been locked in on the defensive end, forcing more than 20 turnovers in eight of their 11 games. They pressured Life Pacific College into a season-high 36 miscues, thanks to a school-record 25 steals. The Anteaters have also held their opponents to five single-digit quarters with a program-best one point allowed in the third frame against LPC. Both of their records bettered the previous standards from last year when UCI had 24 steals vs. Long Beach State and gave up just three points in the second quarter at Bakersfield. Through Dec. 23, UC Irvine ranks fifth in the nation in turnover margin (8.7), 18th in steals (12.3/gm) and 19th in turnovers forced (22.4/gm).
IN THE RANKINGS
UC Irvine made its debut in the College Insider Mid-Major Poll at No. 24 on Dec. 4. After dropping to 25 the following week, the Anteaters jumped three spots to No. 22 (Dec. 18). They remained at No. 22 in the most recent rankings released on Dec. 26.
HOME COOKING
Since the start of the 2017-18 campaign, the 'Eaters are 14-5 (.737) at the Bren Events Center. Their 14 victories in less than two full seasons are more than the previous three years combined (10).
DEPTH PERCEPTION
One of UC Irvine's biggest strengths this year is its depth. Nine of the Anteaters' 10 active roster members have logged at least 10 minutes per outing, while they have had multiple players reach double figures in scoring in every game. With their regular sub rotations, the Anteaters are able to press a majority of the time while not seeing much drop off on the offensive end.
JORDAN EFFECT
UC Irvine is in good shape when sophomore Jordan Sanders scores 10+ points. In her young career, the Anteaters are 22-5 when she reaches double figures, and 9-0 when she hits the 20-point mark. The Springfield, Mo., native has played a key role in UCI's hot start as she has put up double digits in all 11 games. Seven of those have been 20+ performances, including a career-high 34 points on 15-of-25 shooting at Portland State. Just two days earlier, she had a then career-best 29 points and six steals at Portland. Sanders also finished with 25 points vs. Indiana State, 24 at San Jose State, 22 vs. Bakersfield, 21 vs. LIU Brooklyn and 21 vs. UNLV. She recorded 11 rebounds and four steals against the Sycamores, while notching 12 boards and four blocks in a 57-55 win over the Lady Rebels. Through 11 games, the 2018 Big West Freshman of the Year ranks second in the league, and 12th in the nation, with 21.7 ppg.
CHART CLIMBER
Senior Andee Ritter ranks second on UC Irvine's career charts with 178 3-pointers made. She is on pace to break the school record of 198, which was set by Kathy Lizarraga (1988-92). The Medford, Ore., native already shattered Lizarraga's 28-year old single-season program record with 87 3-pointers two years ago, and tied UCI's single-game high with a career-best seven treys at UC Riverside on Jan. 7, 2017. She is also sixth in school history with 160 career steals.
SWEET STROKE
Over the last four games, Ritter is averaging 18.0 points, has made 19 threes and is shooting 65.5 percent from behind the arc. She finished with a season-high 21 points on a 6-of-9 performance from long distance against San Diego State on Dec. 7. On the season, Ritter is averaging 12.5 ppg, and if she keeps up her current pace, she will become the first 'Eater to surpass 1,000 career points in 10 years.
THE LO-DOWN
Over the last seven games, junior Lauren Saiki (Monterey Park, Calif.) is averaging 13.4 points and 8.4 assists, with a 4.20 assist-to-turnover ratio. On Nov. 24, the 5-foot-3 point guard recorded her first double-double as an Anteater with 10 points and a career-high 13 assists against Indiana State. She committed just one turnover in the 77-61 victory over the Sycamores. Saiki's 13 dimes rank third in single-game program history and were the most by an 'Eater since Raelyn Cheung-Sutton dished out 12 vs. UC Davis on March 5, 2016. Saiki followed that performance with a career-best 19 points and eight assists vs. CSU Bakersfield. She also finished with 19 points and eight helpers at Portland, and notched her second double-double with 13 points and 10 assists at Portland State.
UP NEXT
UC Irvine will open Big West Conference play on the road as it heads to Cal Poly for a 2 p.m. game on Saturday, Jan. 5.
UC Irvine (9-2)
Date: Saturday, Dec. 29
Time: 2 p.m. (PST)
Location: Bren Events Center (5,000) - Irvine, Calif.
Tickets // Watch // Listen on KUCI // Live Stats
UC Irvine Game Notes
IRVINE, Calif. - The UC Irvine women's basketball team wraps up non-conference play on Saturday, Dec. 29, when it welcomes Seattle U to the Bren Events Center for a 2 p.m. showdown.
STORYLINES
• UC Irvine remained at No. 22 in the latest College Insider Mid-Major Poll that was released on Dec. 26.
• At 9-2, the Anteaters are off to their best 11-game start since 1983-84, when they were also 9-2.
• Through Dec. 23, the 'Eaters are fifth in the nation in turnover margin, 18th in steals and 19th in turnovers forced.
• UCI has forced at least 22 turnovers in all but three games, and had a season-high 36 against Life Pacific on Nov. 7.
• Jordan Sanders, who has scored 20+ points seven times, is second in the Big West and 12th in the nation with 21.7 ppg.
• She had back-to-back career highs last week with 29 points (13-18 FG) at Portland and 34 (15-25 FG) at Portland State.
• Her 34 points are tied for the fifth-most in UC Irvine single-game history, while her 15 made field goals rank third.
• Sanders was named the Big West Player of the Week on Dec. 17. It was the third time in four weeks she earned the honor.
• Over the last seven contests, Lauren Saiki is averaging 13.4 points and 8.4 assists, with a 4.21 assist-to-turnover ratio.
• Saiki ranks first in the conference and ninth in all of NCAA Division I with 6.5 assists per outing.
• In the last four games, Andee Ritter is averaging 18.0 points, and has knocked down 19 3-pointers (4.8/gm).
• She is shooting 66.5 percent (19-29) from beyond the arc during that stretch.
• Ritter has made 178 career 3-pointers, and is on pace to break the 26-year old school record of 198.
• She also ranks 39th in the country with 2.8 steals/game and is seventh in program history with 160 career takeaways.
WITH A WIN...
• UCI would secure its second consecutive 10+ win season for the first time since 2010-11 (15-15) and 2011-12 (13-17).
• The 'Eaters would enter Big West play with 10 victories for the first time since the conference's inaugural season in 1983-84.
• The Anteaters would extend their win streak against Seattle to three and improve to 5-1 in the all-time series.
A GLANCE AT SEATTLE
Seattle (0-12) is still searching for its first win of the season after falling to Cal Poly and Nevada last week. Junior guard Kamira Sanders has paced the Redhawks with 13.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Junior forward Joana Alves is also averaging 11.8 points and 5.6 rebounds.
SERIES RECORD
UC Irvine leads in its all-time series with Seattle U, 4-1. The Anteaters have come out on top in each of the last two meetings, including an 84-79 road victory last year. Sabrina Engelstad tallied 12 points in nine minutes, while Tahlia Garza finished with nine points and 10 rebounds. The 'Eaters are 1-1 against the Redhawks when playing at the Bren Events Center.
POW TIMES THREE
Sophomore Jordan Sanders took home her third Big West Player of the Week award in four weeks on Monday, Dec. 17. She was recognized following a then career-best 29 points (13-18 FG) and six steals in an 84-69 win at Portland. The 'Eaters led by one at the half, but Sanders scored 19 over the final 20 minutes to lift them to the 15-point victory. She added five rebounds and three blocks.
Just a couple weeks earlier, the 5-foot-11 forward became the first Anteater in program history to earn back-to-back Big West POW accolades as she received the nod on Nov. 26 and Dec. 3. During that stretch, she recorded four-straight 20-point outings against LIU Brooklyn (21), Indiana State (25), Bakersfield (22) and San Jose State (24). On Nov. 28, she was also named to the NCAA's Starting Five, which recognizes players with standout performances from around the country.
THE BIG THREE
Senior Andee Ritter, junior Lauren Saiki and sophomore Jordan Sanders have accounted for nearly 60 percent of UC Irvine's scoring. The trio has combined for 508 points (46.1 ppg) on 46 percent shooting. All three have scored at least 10 points in each of the last three outings, while they have totaled 27 double-figure scoring performances and nine 20-point outings on the year.
DEFENSIVE PRESENCE
The 'Eaters have been locked in on the defensive end, forcing more than 20 turnovers in eight of their 11 games. They pressured Life Pacific College into a season-high 36 miscues, thanks to a school-record 25 steals. The Anteaters have also held their opponents to five single-digit quarters with a program-best one point allowed in the third frame against LPC. Both of their records bettered the previous standards from last year when UCI had 24 steals vs. Long Beach State and gave up just three points in the second quarter at Bakersfield. Through Dec. 23, UC Irvine ranks fifth in the nation in turnover margin (8.7), 18th in steals (12.3/gm) and 19th in turnovers forced (22.4/gm).
IN THE RANKINGS
UC Irvine made its debut in the College Insider Mid-Major Poll at No. 24 on Dec. 4. After dropping to 25 the following week, the Anteaters jumped three spots to No. 22 (Dec. 18). They remained at No. 22 in the most recent rankings released on Dec. 26.
HOME COOKING
Since the start of the 2017-18 campaign, the 'Eaters are 14-5 (.737) at the Bren Events Center. Their 14 victories in less than two full seasons are more than the previous three years combined (10).
DEPTH PERCEPTION
One of UC Irvine's biggest strengths this year is its depth. Nine of the Anteaters' 10 active roster members have logged at least 10 minutes per outing, while they have had multiple players reach double figures in scoring in every game. With their regular sub rotations, the Anteaters are able to press a majority of the time while not seeing much drop off on the offensive end.
JORDAN EFFECT
UC Irvine is in good shape when sophomore Jordan Sanders scores 10+ points. In her young career, the Anteaters are 22-5 when she reaches double figures, and 9-0 when she hits the 20-point mark. The Springfield, Mo., native has played a key role in UCI's hot start as she has put up double digits in all 11 games. Seven of those have been 20+ performances, including a career-high 34 points on 15-of-25 shooting at Portland State. Just two days earlier, she had a then career-best 29 points and six steals at Portland. Sanders also finished with 25 points vs. Indiana State, 24 at San Jose State, 22 vs. Bakersfield, 21 vs. LIU Brooklyn and 21 vs. UNLV. She recorded 11 rebounds and four steals against the Sycamores, while notching 12 boards and four blocks in a 57-55 win over the Lady Rebels. Through 11 games, the 2018 Big West Freshman of the Year ranks second in the league, and 12th in the nation, with 21.7 ppg.
CHART CLIMBER
Senior Andee Ritter ranks second on UC Irvine's career charts with 178 3-pointers made. She is on pace to break the school record of 198, which was set by Kathy Lizarraga (1988-92). The Medford, Ore., native already shattered Lizarraga's 28-year old single-season program record with 87 3-pointers two years ago, and tied UCI's single-game high with a career-best seven treys at UC Riverside on Jan. 7, 2017. She is also sixth in school history with 160 career steals.
SWEET STROKE
Over the last four games, Ritter is averaging 18.0 points, has made 19 threes and is shooting 65.5 percent from behind the arc. She finished with a season-high 21 points on a 6-of-9 performance from long distance against San Diego State on Dec. 7. On the season, Ritter is averaging 12.5 ppg, and if she keeps up her current pace, she will become the first 'Eater to surpass 1,000 career points in 10 years.
THE LO-DOWN
Over the last seven games, junior Lauren Saiki (Monterey Park, Calif.) is averaging 13.4 points and 8.4 assists, with a 4.20 assist-to-turnover ratio. On Nov. 24, the 5-foot-3 point guard recorded her first double-double as an Anteater with 10 points and a career-high 13 assists against Indiana State. She committed just one turnover in the 77-61 victory over the Sycamores. Saiki's 13 dimes rank third in single-game program history and were the most by an 'Eater since Raelyn Cheung-Sutton dished out 12 vs. UC Davis on March 5, 2016. Saiki followed that performance with a career-best 19 points and eight assists vs. CSU Bakersfield. She also finished with 19 points and eight helpers at Portland, and notched her second double-double with 13 points and 10 assists at Portland State.
UP NEXT
UC Irvine will open Big West Conference play on the road as it heads to Cal Poly for a 2 p.m. game on Saturday, Jan. 5.
Players Mentioned
Center
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
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