LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) -Kyle Austin scored 17 points and Javon Borum had 14 points to lead UC Riverside to a 64-55 victory over Long Beach State Saturday.
The Highlanders (11-7, 3-3 Big West Conference) dealt the 49ers (10-8, 5-1) their first conference loss of the season and only their second home loss of the year.
Riverside, the conference's best defensive team, held Long Beach State to one basket over the final five minutes of the game and outrebounded the 49ers 47-33. The 49ers made only 33 percent (20-60) of their shots in the game.
Christian Sota had 13 rebounds for the Highlanders.
Larry Anderson scored 13 points and TJ Robinson had nine rebounds for the 49ers.
Greg Plater's 3-pointer late in the first half gave Long Beach State a 25-24 lead at the break. The 49ers shot 29 percent (9-31) and were outrebounded 23-15 in the opening half.
