IRVINE, Calif. (Interstat) — UC Irvine defeated UC Riverside 74-68 in a Big West Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Bren Events Center.

The Anteaters, who improved to 17-2, used a strong fourth quarter to secure the win after the Highlanders closed to within two points late. Hannah Wickstrom led all scorers with 30 points for UC Riverside. UC Irvine countered with balanced scoring as Hunter Hernandez scored 20 points and Jada Wynn added 18 points and six assists.

Both teams shot identically from the field, but UC Irvine made two more 3-pointers and four more free throws to provide the final margin. The Anteaters also held a 10-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. UC Riverside fell to 6-12 with the loss.