UCI fails to overcome cold start, falls to Cal Poly

IRVINE — The opening 11 minutes, 40 seconds weren’t too pretty for the UC Irvine women’s basketball team Saturday.

The Anteaters had but one point to show for during that span. They later came within two, but could never grab a lead and lost their Big West Conference game to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo at the Bren Events Center.

Senior Kirian Ishizaki and juniors Mary Has and Keyonna Johnson each scored 11 points for UCI (3-13, 0-3 in conference). Has also had a game-high nine rebounds and five assists. Sophomore Kim Barnes and freshman Kiara Belen each grabbed seven rebounds in the loss.

The Anteaters tied their season-high with 43 rebounds and had their second lowest turnover total with just 13 miscues. UCI continued to struggle from long range, going one for 13 from beyond the arc. From the field, UCI shot 48% (11 for 23) in the second half compared to 21% (seven for 33) in the first half.

— From staff reports