UC Irvine’s men’s basketball squad, known as the Eaters, opened the 2026 Jones Cup with a decisive 88‑67 win over Chinese Taipei White, a performance that blended veteran poise with fresh energy and set the tone for the tournament.
Veterans and newcomers step up
Forward Harrison Carrington anchored the effort with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while guard Luke Isaak erupted for a team‑high 20 points, including six three‑pointers that swung momentum in the second half. Olivier Rioux added 9 points and 11 rebounds, punctuating his effort with a timely block.
The supporting cast chipped in across the board: Tama Isaac orchestrated the offense with 9 assists and 6 points, Bryce Goldman went 4‑of‑6 from the free‑throw line, and Mason Hodges contributed 5 points highlighted by a three‑pointer. Josh Palmer also saw action in the closing stages, adding depth to the rotation.
Looking ahead to Jordan
UCI shot 47.8% from the field, knocked down 9 of 32 three‑point attempts and converted 68% of its free throws. Chinese Taipei White, led by Gao Guohao’s 21 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, held a 20‑15 lead after the first quarter before UCI’s offense surged. The second quarter saw the Eaters explode for 48 points, and the third quarter ended with a 29‑14 run that put the team firmly in control. In the final period, contributions from Bryce Goldman, Olivier Rioux, Mason Hodges and Josh Palmer helped UCI secure the victory, setting up a showdown with the Jordan team scheduled for 10:00 p.m. Irvine time.