Second Round - No. 3 seed UC Davis 61, No. 7 seed UC Riverside 50

Box score | UCD presser | UCR presser | Game Highlights
No. 3 seed UC Davis claimed a 61-50 victory over seventh-seeded UC Riverside at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, Nev. on Thursday, in the second round of the 2025 Big West Women's Basketball Championship, presented by Credit Union 1. The Aggies pulled ahead with a strong second-half performance to advance to their 10th Championship semifinals appearance in the last 11 tries.

UC Davis improves to 20-11 on the year and meet up with second-seeded UC Irvine on Friday at 2:30 p.m. in a rematch of the 2024 finale. The Anteaters claimed victory in both regular-season contests, edging the Aggies by two points just one week ago. Meanwhile, the Highlanders close with an overall record of 17-15 after tying for fifth in The Big West.

All-Big West first team selection Tova Sabel led the Aggies to victory with 20 points including a 3-of-4 afternoon from beyond the arc to go along with six rebounds. Redshirt junior Megan Norris added 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting with a game-high blocks and six rebounds. Freshman Ryann Bennett offered a strong playmaking role, providing 10 points, nine assists and two steals off the bench.

Both teams ended the first quarter tied at 14. UC Riverside  dominated the paint in the frame with 12 points coming inside the lane. In the second quarter, UC Davis outscored the Highlanders 13-7 and pulled down 11 defensive rebounds. The Aggies held the 27-21 edge at the break.

The third quarter was evenly matched with UCR able to shave the deficit to five points heading into the final frame. 

The fourth period started with a driving layup for UCR freshman Hannah Wickstrom to make it a one-possession game, before back-to-back baskets for Sabel gave UC Davis a cushion. Nine of Norris' 15 points game in the final frame to help the Aggies secure the win. 

Wickstrom led the Highlanders in scoring with 13 points and two assists with Big West Best Defensive Player Makayla Rose adding12 points and a pair of steals in the loss. 

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