Anteater women can’t hold on

FULLERTON -- UC Irvine couldn’t hold on to a nine-point halftime advantage and lost to Cal State Fullerton, 75-67, in a Big West Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night.

The Anteaters (4-16, 2-6 in conference) led by as many as 14 points in the first half. Cal State Fullerton opened the second half with an 11-0 run, holding UCI scoreless for more than six minutes.

UCI got as close as five points after Kelly Cochran hit a three-pointer with under four minutes remaining. Amber Pruitt responded with a three-pointer at the other end, and the Titans were able to hold on.

Angie Ned led the Anteaters with 19 points. Cochran posted her second career double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Kimberly Martin also had a double-double, with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Melissa Jacob came off the bench to add 11 points and nine assists for the Anteaters.

Amber Pruitt scored 18 points and Toni Thomas added 17 for Cal State Fullerton (7-13, 4-4).

UCI plays at UC Riverside on Saturday.

Big West Conference

Cal State Fullerton 75,

UC Irvine 67

Score by Halves