RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) Kyle Owens scored 19 points as UC Riverside beat CSU Bakersfield 71-59 in a Big West Conference opener on Thursday.

Owens had seven rebounds for the Highlanders (8-5). Jamal Hartwell II scored 14 points while shooting 4 for 7 from beyond the arc. Lachlan Olbrich was 5 of 7 shooting and 3 of 4 from the free throw line to finish with 13 points, while adding eight rebounds.

The Roadrunners (4-8) were led in scoring by Kaleb Higgins, who finished with 25 points, eight assists and four steals. Antavion Collum added 12 points and six rebounds for CSU Bakersfield. In addition, Travis Henson had seven points and two blocks.

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Both teams play on Saturday. UC Riverside visits Long Beach State while CSU Bakersfield hosts UC Irvine.

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