In a stunning upset, the UC Riverside Highlanders defeated the previously undefeated Hawaii Warriors, ending their impressive 14-game winning streak. The thrilling game took place on February 27, 2025, and was highlighted by the Highlanders’ exceptional performance. The final score was 75-68 in favor of UC Riverside. The Highlanders were led by standout performances from senior guard Zyon Pullin, who scored 23 points, and junior forward Callum McRae, who contributed a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. This victory was pivotal for UC Riverside, improving their conference record to 18-10 and putting them in a strong position for postseason play. Meanwhile, Hawaii now faces challenges as they slip to 8th place in the Big West standings, with a conference record of 14-2. This defeat serves as a wake-up call for the Warriors, who were previously ranked as one of the top teams in the nation. Coach Eran Ganot remarked, ‘We need to regroup and refocus. This loss doesn’t define our season, but it certainly shows us we can’t take any game for granted.’ The fans in attendance at the UC Riverside arena saw an intense back-and-forth battle that ultimately showcased the tenacity and skill of the Highlanders, who are now positioned for a strong finish as the season winds down.
