In last Thursday’s game against California State University, Northridge (CSUN), the University of California Riverside (UCR) men’s basketball team won their last home game of the season, 94-79 against California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
The game was energetic from the tip-off, with three blocks from Armotrading within the first few minutes. The Highlanders started strong, with a 19 point lead in the first seven minutes of the game. Their aggression on offense and defense put them in a position to be able to secure this win against a team one game above them in the standings.
UCR head coach Mike Magpayo has been an integral part in the team’s record-breaking success this season. He expressed just how important it was to win on senior night, honoring their seniors — center Joel Armotrading alongside forwards Niyi Olabode and Luke Turner.
“This means a lot. I really wanted to honor Niyi, Luke and Joel … It means a lot to get it done for those guys, and for another great crowd. So it was a big deal,” expressed coach Magpayo.
Magpayo also noted, “[CSUN] was coming in hot, 8-2 in their last 10 [games]. They are a very good team, and we respected them. To find a way to get it done was special.”
Throughout the first half, the Highlanders fought for every bucket, not allowing the Matadors to get any easy buckets at their expense. Guard Barrington Hargress really showed out, especially towards the end of the second half. The redshirt sophomore claimed the UCR single season scoring record with 636 points. In the second half, CSUN returned from halftime with a faster playing tempo and forced several shot clock violations for the Highlanders.
Finishing with a season high of six blocks in his last career home game, Armotrading really stepped up defensively in the second half. He explained, “I’m trying to do my part and protect the rim. We got scorers, so I am just going to do my job. That’s what leads to the success.”
When it came to taking down such a fast-paced team, Magapayo remarked, “That was really Joel. Offensively we were flowing but defensively, Joel, with his six blocks and Olabode with his 11 rebounds were really the difference [leading to the win].”
The Highlanders played their last regular season game on Saturday, March 8 at California State University, Fullerton on the road, winning 64-59. Later this week, UCR is heading to the Big West championships from March 12 to 15 in Henderson, Nevada. As the third seed UCR is hoping to set some school records during the single round elimination tournament at the end of the week.
