UC Irvine's NCAA Tournament win thrills Rockets' Austin Rivers

PHOTOS: Rockets game-by-game Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers (25) takes a moment for a prayer minutes before the start of the NBA game between the Houston Rockets and the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Monday, March 11, 2019, in Houston. The Houston Rockets won against the Charlotte Hornets 118- 106. Browse through the photos to see how the Rockets have fared in each game this season. less PHOTOS: Rockets game-by-game Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers (25) takes a moment for a prayer minutes before the start of the NBA game between the Houston Rockets and the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota ... more Photo: Marie D. De JesÃºs/Staff Photographer Photo: Marie D. De JesÃºs/Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 125 Caption Close UC Irvine's NCAA Tournament win thrills Rockets' Austin Rivers 1 / 125 Back to Gallery

Rockets guard Austin Rivers spent Friday "sweating." That was well before the Rockets played the San Antonio Spurs.

Rivers' younger brother Spencer plays for the Cal-Irvine Anteaters, who beat Kansas State in the first

round of the NCAA Tournament in a win Austin Rivers would not call an upset.

"I was sweating in my bed," Rivers said. "I was so nervous. When he got in, I felt like a mom. I know how they feel when they watch me play. When he was in the game, I was so nervous. I just wanted him to do well. He got a steal. He got an assist. I wanted to go so bad."

Rivers was so happy for and proud of his brother, he did not even mind pointing out that Spencer has more tournament wins than he does, with Austin Rivers having lost in the first round to Bucknell when he played for Duke. His older brother, Jeremiah, reached the Final Four with Georgetown and his sister, Callie, reached the Final Four in volleyball with Florida.

He might not be able to watch Sunday's game, but said if the Anteaters reach the Sweet 16, "I have to be there."

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