The UC Irvine Women’s Basketball team (12-5, 6-1) clinched a dramatic 59-57 victory over the Cal Poly Mustangs (8-10, 3-5) and extended their winning streak to four games in a nail-biting Big West Conference matchup on the road at the Mott Athletics Center in San Luis Obispo on Jan. 18.
Junior guard Hunter Hernandez led the Anteaters with a standout double-double performance, recording 18 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Her composure and ability to execute in high-pressure moments were pivotal, especially in the final seconds of the game.
The Anteaters got off to a competitive start in the first quarter. Senior point guard Déja Lee opened the scoring with a layup, assisted by Hernandez, but Cal Poly quickly responded with a three-pointer from senior point guard Annika Shah. UCI sophomore forward Summah Hanson provided an early spark off the bench, scoring five points, including an energizing three-point play. The quarter ended with both teams tied at 17, showcasing the evenly matched intensity on both sides.
The second quarter saw both teams struggle offensively, with UC Irvine missing several open shots and committing multiple turnovers. Hernandez hit a jumper early to briefly reclaim the lead for the Anteaters, but Cal Poly’s defense forced multiple turnovers, allowing the Mustangs to edge ahead. Despite a late jumper from senior guard Amelia Scharpf, UC Irvine trailed 25-23 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Irvine regained momentum, fueled by Hernandez’s defensive effort. Senior guard Nikki Tom’s layup and a fast-break three-pointer by Hernandez helped the Anteaters pull ahead 30-27 early in the quarter. UCI junior guard Olivia Williams added a crucial jumper to tie the game at 35, but Cal Poly’s Shah answered with a three-pointer to give the Mustangs a slim lead. The quarter ended with UC Irvine trailing 38-37 after a late layup by Tom.
The fourth quarter was a thrilling back-and-forth battle. Cal Poly opened the period with a three-pointer from sophomore guard/forward Mary Carter to extend their lead to 41-37, but Lee quickly responded with a triple of her own. Hernandez’s relentless effort in the paint resulted in multiple critical baskets, including a layup at 7:31 to bring UC Irvine within one point. Williams hit two clutch three-pointers late in the quarter, including a go-ahead shot with 1:24 remaining to give UC Irvine a 56-54 lead.
With the game on the line, Hernandez stepped up once again. After grabbing a defensive rebound, she drove the court and scored a layup with one second left, putting the Anteaters ahead 59-57. She calmly sank a free throw following a foul to secure the final margin. Cal Poly’s last-second three-point attempt by redshirt sophomore forward Sierra Lichtie missed, sealing the victory for UC Irvine.
Key contributions came from across the Anteaters’ roster. Williams scored 11 points, including two crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter. Tom added eight points throughout the game. Hanson’s hustle off the bench was much needed, contributing seven points and several key rebounds.
Defensively, the Anteaters forced 18 Cal Poly turnovers and limited the Mustangs to just 39% shooting from the field. Hernandez and Tom each recorded steals, and graduate forward Nevaeh Dean made critical defensive plays.
The Mustangs were led by Carter, who scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds, and Shah, who added 11 points, including three three-pointers. Despite their efforts, Cal Poly struggled to capitalize on second-chance opportunities, managing only six offensive rebounds compared to UC Irvine’s 11.
This victory highlights UC Irvine’s resilience and ability to execute under pressure. Their clutch plays in the final moments highlight their potential as Big West title contenders.
UC Irvine will look to continue their winning streak on Jan. 23, when it faces UC Riverside at the Bren Events Center.
Curtis Wang is a Sports Intern for the winter 2025 quarter. He can be reached at curtiw2@uci.edu.
Edited by Jack Fedor and Jaheem Conley