IRVINE, Calif. – Robinson Idehen had a career night with 21 points and 10 rebounds but it wasn't enough as visiting UC Santa Barbara had its three-game winning streak ended with a 69-58 loss at UC Irvine on Saturday night.

The Gauchos (19-10 overall, 8-6 Big West) had another cold shooting first half as they made just 9-of-26 field goal attempts, 34.6%, and the Anteaters (21-10, 13-2) took advantage, claiming a 35-22 lead at halftime.

UCI jumped out to a 7-0 lead and never trailed in the game, leading by as many as 20 at 46-26 with 15:26 remaining in the game. 

UCSB rallied back behind Idehen who scored 16 of his points and had seven of his rebounds in the second half before fouling out in the final minute. 

"This team doesn't quit," Idehen said. "We just kept fighting and playing hard. I'm proud of my teammates." 

The Gauchos cut the Anteater lead to eight three times. The score was 61-53 after a three-pointer by Matt Freeman with 1:22 on the clock. It was 63-55 when Idehen rebounded a miss and sccored on a put back with 46 seconds to play, and it was 64-56 when JaQuori McLaughlin made 1-of-2 free throws with 42 seconds left. 

"Robinson was outstanding tonight," said head coach Joe Pasternack. "He just brings it every game and every day in practice. It doesn't matter if he's had a good day or a bad day, he honors the process and always brings the effort." 

Idehen's final basket of the game came with 20 seconds to play and made the score 67-58. He fouled out seven seconds later.

UCI was led by Eyassu Worku who scored 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting overall and 4-for-5 from three-point range. Center Brad Greene added 16 points and 15 rebounds, and Tommy Rutherford had 13 points.

The Anteaters, the second best rebounding team in the nation, had a 43-30 advantage on Saturday night. Amadou Sow, UCSB's leading rebounder, logged only 17:08 before fouling out. He finished with a season-low four points and three rebounds. 

McLaughlin had nine points, six assists and four rebounds for the Gauchos, but he made just 2-of-9 shots from the field. Brandon Cyrus had eight points and four rebounds, equaling his season-high with two three-point baskets. Freeman and Devearl Ramsey each added seven points. 

As a team, Santa Barbara finished with a field goal percentage of 36.8%, while Irvine made 45.6% of its shots.

UCSB will return home for its final two regular season games next week. On Thursday, Mar. 5 the Gauchos will host Cal State Fullerton and on Saturday, Mar. 7 they complete the regular season against Cal Poly. Both games will begin at 7:00 p.m.