IRVINE, Calif. (Interstat) — UC Irvine looks to build on a road victory when it hosts crosstown Big West Conference rival UC Riverside on Thursday night. The Anteaters (5-4) enter having won two of their last three, including a 72-63 win at San Jose State on Sunday. Derin Saran led the way with 24 points. The visiting Highlanders (4-4) aim to rebound from a 77-69 loss at Utah Tech on Saturday. Osiris Grady scored 17 points in that defeat. UC Irvine holds the edge in recent matchups, winning eight of the last 10 meetings between the programs. The Anteaters have also been strong at home this season, posting a 4-1 record at the Bren Events Center. UC Riverside has shown a split personality, averaging 90 points in its wins but just 66 in its losses. Consistency will be key against an Irvine defense allowing only 66.2 points per game at home. Both teams open a busy stretch of conference play. UC Irvine hosts Cal State Northridge on Saturday, while UC Riverside visits Cal Poly. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST.