Rambo to the rescue

IRVINE — It was the guy they call Rambo to the rescue for the UC Irvine men’s basketball team Thursday night.

But, unlike the cinematic hero made famous by Sylvester Stallone, Anteaters’ sophomore guard Patrick Rembert had plenty of help in securing UCI’s 64-57 Big West Conference triumph over Cal Poly San Luis Obispo at the Bren Events Center.

Junior starting point guard Michael Hunter was not in uniform for the winners (8-14, 5-4 in conference), after spraining his left ankle in practice Wednesday. So, Rembert, who had not started since the season opener at USC, played all 40 minutes, producing 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists and just two turnovers.

In addition to the absence of Hunter, freshman Eric Wise, the team’s leading scorer at 13.4 per game coming in, was smothered by double-team defensive attention and had just two points and six rebounds in 23 minutes.

But senior forward Kevin Bland had the inside covered, collecting 20 points, eight rebounds and a pair of assists.

In addition, junior reserve Chad DeCasas gathered some remaining slack by sinking five of his six second-half field-goal attempts, including both three-point tries, to chip in a season-high 14 points.

DeCasas played a leading role in a 28-14 UCI run to open the second half, helping erase a 24-20 halftime deficit by scoring 12 points during the surge, including 10 of UCI’s 12 points in a span of five minutes, 15 seconds. The latter spurt was capped by two three-pointers, the second giving the hosts a 48-38 cushion with 7:13 remaining.

The Mustangs (5-14, 2-7), who had just one first-half turnover, trimmed the deficit to four on three occasions. But UCI, which had zero turnovers after intermission and finished with six to match a season low, answered each time. The ’Eaters netted seven of their final eight foul shots to halt a two-game home losing streak against Big West foes.

“Chad DeCasas had an exceptional game, as did Kevin Bland,” UCI Coach Pat Douglass said. “And Rembert being able to go 40 minutes, with Hunter out, was a big key. Those three guys [were instrumental], as well as us taking care of the ball better in the second half.”

Douglass also said his team’s offense was more crisp in the final 20 minutes, when the hosts were 15 of 28 from the field (53.6%), four of five from threedom.

“We started executing a little better [after halftime],” Douglass said. “I thought we played pretty good defense in the first half. And, in the second half, we made some shots. It always looks better when you’re making some shots.”

Rembert, who has been a consistent contributor off the bench, said his mind-set was the same after getting the call to start for Hunter, who may play Saturday against UC Santa Barbara.

“Coach told me just to play my game, be a leader on the court, be a leader defensively, get us into our stuff and take my open shots,” said Rembert, who was four of six from the field and consistently broke down the defense off the dribble, often in clear-out sets with him at the top of the key and four teammates lining the baseline.

“I just definitely had to step up for my team,” Rembert said. “I love the clear-out, where I can create something for my teammates.”

Rembert also praised DeCasas.

“Chad had an amazing game, a really, really great game,” Rembert said.

Senior guard Brett Lauer played a more prominent role in distributing the ball, equaling his career high with five assists and chipping in seven points.

UCI opened two of 13 from the field and shot just 33.3% in the first half. But the ’Eaters’ aforementioned defense helped limit Cal Poly to 31% shooting in the first 20 minutes (nine for 29).

UCI won the rebounding battle, 37-31.

Big West Conference

UC Irvine 64, Cal Poly SLO 57

CPSLO – Drippery 1, Shelton 16, Lorenzo 14, Lewis 10, Thomas 7, Henning 5, Manley 4.

3-pt. goals – Keeler 3, Lewis 2, Thomas 1, Henning 1.

Fouled out – Thomas.

UCI – Bland 20, Wise 2, Rembert 16, Lauer 7, Strings 5, DeCasas 14.

3-pt. goals – DeCasas 2, Lauer 1, Strings 1, Rembert 1.

Halftime – CPSLO, 24-20.

BARRY FAULKNER may be reached at (714) 966-4615 or at [email protected].