Anteaters’ Wise denied Freshman of Year laurel

UC Irvine freshman Eric Wise was denied Big West Conference Freshman of Year honors in men’s basketball, but was named first-team all-conference and was a member of the all-freshman team.

Wise led all Big West freshmen in scoring during the regular season (14.2 points per game) and averaged 15.5 points in conference games. He also averaged 5.9 rebounds in 30 games, second among Anteaters.

But the top freshman honor went to Long Beach State’s Larry Anderson, who averaged 10.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the 49ers, who finished tied for second.

UCI junior guard Michael Hunter received honorable mention, as did UCI women’s guard Rebecca Maessen.

Hunter averaged 11.8 ppg and leads all conference players in steals with 1.9 per contest.

Maessen averaged 12.9 ppg and has led the Anteaters in scoring 11 times this season.

The UCI men open the conference tournament Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. against UC Davis at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The UCI women play Cal State Fullerton in the tournament opener Wednesday at 2 p.m.

— Barry Faulkner