UCI rallies by Waves

IRVINE — Sophomore Eric Wise had a season-high 23 points to pace UC Irvine to a 74-61 nonconference home win Monday over Pepperdine.

Wise added six rebounds, three assists and three steals to help the Anteaters snap a two-game losing streak and improve to 6-5.

Senior guard Michael Hunter had 16 points, junior guard Darren Moore added 14 and senior center Zack Atkinson contributed eight points and eight rebounds for the winners.

Pepperdine (3-10) led, 40-37, at halftime after both teams shot 52% from the field in the opening 20 minutes.

After Pepperdine went ahead, 45-40, with 18:18 left, UCI went on a 12-3 run to assume command.

Pepperdine made nine of 16 three-point attempts, but committed 21 turnovers to UCI’s nine.

The ’Eaters had 31 points off turnovers, 21 more than the Waves.

There were eight lead changes and the score was tied six times.

UCI visits San Jose State Monday at 7 p.m.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Cerritos 55,

Orange Coast 53

COSTA MESA — The Pirates shot a dismal 27.6% from the field (16 for 58) in the third-place game of their own Coast Christmas Classic Sunday at OCC.

Samantha Hansen led the hosts (9-5) with 10 points and also had seven rebounds.

Jenna Lujan had 10 rebounds for OCC, for which Amanda Deal and Michelle Yamasaki chipped in eight points apiece.

OCC opens the Ventura Tournament Monday.