by Cheval John

University of California-Irvine Anteaters opened the 2012 Progressive Sub-Regional Round with a 65-46 win over the Liberty Flames.

The win upped the Anteaters’ record to 2-1 for the season while the Flames are 0-3.

Daman Starring led UC-Irvine with 12 points and three rebounds. Chris McNealy contributed with 10 points, 3 assists, and two rebounds.

The first half started off competitive as both teams trade a total of 12 points in the opening minutes.

The Flames went on a 9-7 run to increase to lead 17-13.

But the Anteaters answered with an 18-7 run to have a 30-24 lead by halftime.

From there, Irvine blew the game wide open with a 14-6 run to increase their lead at 44-31 thanks to a pair of baskets by Starring, John Ryan, Will Davis II and Conor Clifford.

They went on to cruised to an easy 64-46 win.

Davon Marshall led the Flames with 12 points, 4 assists and three rebounds. Tavares Speaks followed with 11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and a steal.

The Flames shot 33% from the field and made six free throws out of sixteen attempts.