IRVINE, Calif.—San Diego struggled to get its offense going in a 53-85 loss to UC Irvine on Saturday afternoon at Bren Events Center.
 
After a slow start, the Toreros (1-3) shot 50 percent in the second half, putting up 38 points and doubling their first-half output. However, USD was unable to slow the Anteater (3-4) offense that finished the day 52 percent from the field, scoring 51 second-half points.
 
Joey Calcaterra paced the Toreros for the third game this season, finishing with 14 points. Calcaterra was 4-of-9 from the field, 5-of-5 from the free-throw line and led USD with four rebounds. Jared Rodriguez also recorded double-digit points, finishing with 10 on the day.
 
UCI dominated the rebounding battle, 44-21, including 13 offensive boards, compared to two for USD. The Anteaters collected 17 second-chance points compared to three for the Toreros and outscored USD in the paint, 42-18.
 
San Diego began the game just 5-of-25 from the field, and 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. Calcaterra and Rodriguez combined for 10 of USD's 15 first-half points, while the Toreros were outrebounded, 8-20, to trail 15-34 at halftime.
 
USD came out of the break with renewed energy, shooting 71 percent (5-of-7) from the field to start the half. However, the Anteaters matched San Diego shot-for-shot out of the gate and eventually began to extend their lead behind a 62 field-goal percentage in the second half.
 
UCI held the slight turnover advantage, 15-12, but the Anteaters were better able to convert, scoring 15 points compared to eight for the Toreros. UC Irvine also held the advantage in fast break points, finishing with 10 compared to two for USD.
 
Next up, the Toreros will travel to face Arizona on Monday, Dec. 21 afternoon at 2 p.m. PT. The game will air on the Pac-12 Networks.