In the final game of the evening, the Cal Poly Mustangs overcame a slow start to defeat the UC Riverside Highlanders 66-54 in the Big West Tournament quarterfinals at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

After shooting a paltry 34.6 percent from the field in the first half, the Mustangs put in a much better effort in the second half, shooting 50 percent in the game's final 20 minutes.

A good defensive effort in the second half helped, as the Mustangs held the Highlanders to just 20 points and 33.3 percent shooting.

Mustang forward Amaurys Fermin led the charge, scoring 14 of his 6 points in the second half. Two other Mustangs reached double figures including forward David Hanson with 12 points and Chris Eversley added 11 points off the bench.

After scoring 10 points in the first half, Highlander guard Phil Martin was held just five points in the second half for 15 total. Guard Robert Smith was the only other Highlander to reach double figures, scoring 10 points.

Cal Poly will face off against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos in the semifinals tomorrow night.

For more updates on the Big West Tournament, stay tuned to this StoryStream.