A driving layup and subsequent free throw by Kareem Nitoto with 14 seconds left in overtime propelled No. 7 seed UC Riverside to an upset 70-66 win over No. 2 Cal Poly in the quarterfinals of the Big West Tournament. The win was just the 12th of the season for UC Riverside (12-18, 6-10). The Highlanders will face top seed Long Beach State in the semifinals on Friday.
Nitoto led the Highlanders with 23 points, making 6-of-9 field goals, including all three from beyond the three-point arc. Javon Borum poured in 15 points for UC Riverside, hitting five three-pointers in eight attempts. The Highlanders made nine of 16 three-point attempts on the night. Kevin Bradshaw scored nine points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Highlanders.
Shawn Lewis led Cal Poly (15-15, 10-6) with 18 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. David Hanson chipped in with 16 points, but made just 6-of-18 field goals. UC Riverside will battle Long Beach State in the first semifinal game Friday night, a 6:30 p.m. PST tipoff. The gave will be nationally televised on ESPNU.
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