Cal Poly Women’s Basketball jumped out to a strong start with 20 points in the first quarter against UC Riverside but ultimately came out with a 74-63 loss against the Highlanders on Saturday.
The Mustangs (11-15, 6-10 Big West) switched up their starting rotation to open the game, looking to spark momentum early. The changes paid off in the first half as Cal Poly built a steady lead, but they couldn’t maintain it after halftime, getting outscored in the third quarter 23-10.
UC Riverside (13-14, 9-8 Big West) went on a 14-2 scoring run in the third quarter, and the Mustangs didn’t lead again for the rest of the game.
Cal Poly’s offense was firing on all cylinders for much of the game. The Mustangs shot 74% in the first half and finished the game at 60% from the field一their most efficient shooting night of the season.
Graduate guard Ashley Hiraki was perfect from the floor, going 6-for-6 and finishing with 14 points. Sophomore forward Mary Carter added another 14 points on 50% shooting, while redshirt sophomore Sierra Lichtie chipped in 12 points and five rebounds.
The game also marked a career milestone for senior guard Sydney Bourland, who reached 500 career rebounds.
Despite one of the season’s most efficient shooting performances, Cal Poly women’s basketball couldn’t overcome costly turnovers, which gave the Highlanders a 13 total shot attempt advantage at the end of the game.
Turnovers have been a recurring issue all season, and against UC Riverside, they proved especially costly. The Mustangs committed 21 turnovers, which the Highlanders converted into 33 points. Cal Poly only managed eight points off UC Riverside’s mistakes.
With only five games left in the regular season, Cal Poly currently sits at No. 8 in the Big West, holding onto the last conference tournament spot.
The Mustangs have two upcoming matchups against teams under .500, including a head-to-head against Fullerton, who sits just one game behind Cal Poly and is looking to bump Cal Poly out of postseason contention.
The Mustangs will return to action on Thursday, Jan. 27, at Mott Athletics Center for the Blue-Green Rivalry against UC Santa Barbara at 6 pm.
