Box Score 
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- UC Riverside fell to No. 2 seed Santa Clara with a final score of 101-62 at the Leavey Center in the first round of the 2025 National Invitational Tournament (NIT). 

The Highlanders end their season with a 21-13 overall record. The Broncos improve to 21-12 and will host Kent State in the second round of the NIT. 
 

SCU took a strong lead over the Highlanders in the first half, finishing with a score of 44-33. Santa Clara was 16-for-31 after 20 minutes including seven successful 3-pointers. The Broncos forced eight UCR turnovers in the first half. The Highlanders kept pace in the half, going 13-for-30 from the floor, but their efforts were hampered by turnovers. 

SCU dominated the second half with a 57-29 scoring advantage over the Highlanders. The Broncos excelled in shooting, making 21-of-30 baskets, including 9-of-11 from beyond the arc. 

Nate Pickens emerged as a standout for UCR, leading the team with 15 points on 5-of-12 shooting, including 2-of-6 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line. Pickens also contributed four assists in the game. Barrington Hargress recorded a team-high five assists while adding seven points and one steal. Rikus Schulte provided nine points on 4-of-6 shooting and added two assists.