Rodenberg, sidelined after starting the first six games, averaged 6.8 points and 2.7 rebounds. His strength inside would undoubtedly have given Douglass greater options and helped senior center Darren Fells remain better rested for the stretch run.
Awaji, who played in 11 games, starting one, averaged 7.5 points after emerging as an aggressive backcourt presence as a junior in 2006-07.
Yet, the paring of the roster also wound up producing its benefits, as guards Marcus McIntosh, Patrick Rembert, Brett Lauer and Michael Hunter all took advantage of additional playing time to solidify a backcourt that became essential to the late-season surge.
A 70-51 victory over Utah State on Nov. 17, and a come-from-behind triumph at Harvard, the team’s first road win on Dec. 30, highlighted the preconference portion of the schedule, after which the ’Eaters were 5-8.
A propensity for giving up leads and road struggles against a rugged schedule that included games at Utah, at Texas A&M and at South Carolina helped keep the Anteaters under .500.
After a conference-opening loss at Cal State Fullerton, UCI swept home conference games with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and UCSB, adding to their burgeoning confidence at home. UCI would win its first 12 games played on campus, including 11 at the Bren Events Center, before falling to Cal State Fullerton in the regular-season finale.
A road win at UCSB on Feb. 14 was another indication the Anteaters were not to be ignored, but conference losses at UC Davis and UC Riverside wound up costing UCI a top-four finish, which would have meant at least one bye in the conference tournament.
