UC Irvine fends off late Cal Poly rally in 80-73 win

Jan 19, 2018, 05:45 am

IRVINE, Calif. -- Tommy Rutherford scored 20 points, leading four into double figures, as UC Irvine held off a second-half rally to defeat Cal Poly 80-73 Thursday night.

The Anteaters (8-13, 3-2 Big West) led by as many as 20 in the second half only to see Cal Poly whittle that down to seven points. But by that time, only 36 seconds remained and Evan Leonard sank a pair of free throws.

Eyassu Worku scored 14 points, Max Hazzard and Leonard added 12 each for Cal Irvine, which shot 51 percent on the night (33 of 64) and held a 42-29 rebounding advantage. The Anteaters also had 17 assists, Worku leading with six and Leonard adding four.

Josh Martin poured in 24 points with 12 rebounds for Cal Poly (6-12, 1-3). Donovan Fields added 18 and Victor Joseph 16. The Mustangs losing streak is three games, and eight of their last 10. Cal Poly had just six assists on 26 made baskets.