RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive execution and a standout individual performance, the Cal Poly Mustangs outlasted the UC Riverside Highlanders 94-87 in a Big West Conference men’s basketball game Saturday night at the UCR Rec Center.

The victory avenged a four-point loss to the Highlanders in San Luis Obispo in early December and improved Cal Poly’s record to 9-14 overall. UC Riverside fell to 8-15.

The contest was a tale of contrasting efficiencies. While both teams shot the ball well, Cal Poly’s offense operated with a crispness that UC Riverside could not match. The Mustangs dished out nine assists to the Highlanders’ two and committed only 12 turnovers while forcing 17. That ball security and distribution translated directly to points, as Cal Poly scored 24 points off turnovers compared to 13 for Riverside.

Cal Poly’s offensive rhythm was established early. After a sloppy opening sequence from both sides, the Mustangs settled in, shooting 53.1 percent from the field in the first half and taking a 46-44 lead into the break. The lead changed hands 10 times, but Cal Poly never trailed in the second half, methodically building an advantage that grew to as many as 14 points.

The most important stretch of the game came early in the second half. Leading by just two, Cal Poly embarked on a 12-4 run over a three-minute span. The surge was fueled by defensive pressure, as steals by Hamad Mousa and Cayden Ward led to easy transition opportunities. A three-pointer from Guzman Vasilic capped the run, giving the Mustangs a 60-52 lead with 16:43 remaining and forcing a UC Riverside timeout. The Highlanders would cut the deficit to four points on several occasions but could never draw even, as Cal Poly answered each push with a key basket.

Cal Poly was led by a dominant performance from Hamad Mousa. The 6-foot-8 junior from Doha, Qatar, scored 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting, adding four assists and two steals in 34 minutes. He was a constant force in the paint, where the Mustangs outscored the Highlanders 48-34.

Mousa received ample support. Peter Bandelj, a 6-4 guard from Ljubljana, Slovenia, filled the stat sheet with 17 points, six assists and three steals. Austin Goode, a 6-7 forward from Brampton, Canada, provided a major spark off the bench, hitting four three-pointers en route to 16 points in just 18 minutes. Jess Esso Essis added 13 points for the Mustangs.

UC Riverside’s effort was carried almost single-handedly by Andrew Henderson. The 6-5 guard from Los Angeles played all but 20 seconds of the game and poured in a game-high 39 points on 16-of-30 shooting. He also contributed three assists and two blocks. Marqui Worthy added 18 points for the Highlanders, but the rest of the team combined for just 30 points on 10-of-36 shooting.

Despite Henderson’s heroics, UC Riverside’s offensive struggles beyond his scoring were evident. The team’s two total assists marked a season low and underscored a stagnant offensive approach. The Highlanders also hurt themselves at the free-throw line, making only 17 of 26 attempts.

Cal Poly’s ability to score inside and capitalize on Riverside’s mistakes proved to be the decisive difference. The Mustangs finished the game shooting 53.1 percent from the field and made 17 of 21 free throws. While UC Riverside won the rebounding battle, particularly on the offensive glass with 19 boards, it could not overcome its disjointed offense and defensive lapses.

The game was played before an announced crowd of 276. Cal Poly returns home to face Cal State Northridge on Thursday. UC Riverside travels to face Cal State Fullerton, also on Thursday.