Allen Crabbe scored 24 points and Jorge Gutierrez added 11 as No. 24 California cruised to a 77-56 victory over visiting UC Irvine on Friday in the season opener for both teams.

California is expecting big things this season from its top three returning scorers, and the trio wasted little time against the Anteaters.

Last year’s conference freshman of the year, Crabbe hit his first 3-pointer 11 seconds into the game and finished 10-of-21 from the field with four 3-pointers.

Gutierrez tallied a career-high nine rebounds and seven assists, while forward Harper Kamp added 10 points and nine rebounds.

UC Irvine, one of the youngest teams in the nation, was led by Chris McNealy’s 14 points. The Anteaters are coached by Russell Turner, who previously worked under California coach Mike Montgomery.

The Golden Bears shot 53 percent from the field in the first half and led 48-23 before UC Irvine battled back and trailed by 13 with 7:52 remaining.

California, picked to finish second in the Pac-12, outrebounded UC Irvine 43-28 and had 10 players in the scoring column.

Will Davis II had eight points and nine rebounds for the Anteaters, who were picked to finish last in the Big West.