Riverside, CA -- (Sports Network) - Kyle Austin posted 20 points and 14 rebounds to power the UC Riverside Highlanders to a 70-66 decision over the San Jose State Spartans in a non-league affair at the Student Recreation Center.

Brandon Dowdy tallied 14 points off the bench for UC Riverside (2-2), which got 11 points from Larry Gurganious.

Adrian Oliver and Mac Peterson scored 17 points in defeat for San Jose State (1-2), which got 15 points and five assists from Justin Graham.

UC Riverside cruised to a 36-27 lead at intermission on the strength of 53.1 percent shooting from the floor in the first half.

The Highlanders were able to hold on for the victory because of strong defense, as they limited the Spartans to 35.5 percent shooting from the field in the second half.

UC Riverside was fortunate to win the game considering its shaky 15-of-28 effort from the foul line.