The UC Riverside Highlanders and the Portland Pilots meet Sunday in college basketball action from Chiles Center. UC Riverside owns a 1-1 record so far this year. The Highlanders lost big to Utah in their last appearance. As for Portland, they’re currently 2-0 following a win over Lewis & Clark on Wednesday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

UC Riverside Highlanders 

The Highlanders got off to a good start this year versus UC Merced. After a 41-32 halftime lead, UC Riverside was able to hang on for the win 76-69. Leading the way in scoring was Barrington Hargress with 16 points and three assists. Jhaylon Martinez doubled up in the victory with 13 points and 10 rebounds. 

In game two versus Utah, UC Riverside had a much bigger challenge on their hands. The Highlanders were drilled in the first half 48-13 and limped to a blowout loss 82-53. Isaiah Moses led the team this time with 12 points and four rebounds, while Benjamin Griscti added 10 points with seven boards. 

Portland Pilots 

Over on the Pilots’ side, it’s been two solid victories in two games so far. First came Monday’s matchup versus Long Beach State. After a modest one-point halftime lead, Portland was able to power out a 78-73 result. Vukasin Masic was the leading team scorer on 25 points, and Tyler Harris doubled up with 17 points and 12 rebounds. 

Portland didn’t have a ton of trouble in game two versus Lewis & Clark either. The Pilots jumped out to a 44-28 halftime lead and were able to carve out an 89-72 win after 45 second-half points. Tyler Robertson doubled up this time with 14 points and 10 assists, as did Noah Jordan with 13 points and 12 rebounds. 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stay with Portland. The Pilots have two pretty well-rounded wins on their hands so far, a quality accomplishment despite not facing super-tough competition just yet. Five different players finished in double-figures during Wednesday’s win over Lewis & Clark. The Pilots shot a nice 52.9 percent from the field and collected 48 rebounds in that one. The turnovers (21) need a little work but otherwise there’s not much to complain about. 

As for UC Riverside, they didn’t have much of a chance versus Utah, especially after getting hit on the boards with a 52-30 rebounding deficit. The Highlanders should look better here, but I think Portland takes the cover in the end if they play well.