BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2023) – The crazy weather that hit California could not stop UC Santa Barbara Men's Basketball (13-2, 4-0 Big West) from making the trip to Bakersfield to take on the Roadrunners of Cal State Bakersfield as the Gauchos continued with conference play. Despite a slow start for the Gauchos, the team came out with their ninth straight game 60-48 to also stay undefeated in Big West play. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gauchos were the first team on the board, but it wasn't for long. The Roadrunners battled back without their best players to take a lead early in the first half. However, it didn't last for long as Ajare Sanni lit up to push the Gauchos ahead. The Roadrunners weren't able to make a comeback for the remainder of the first half, resulting in a seven-point lead for the Gauchos with a score of 33-26.

Sanni was the leading scorer in the first half, registering eight points while going 100 percent from beyond the arc. Ajay Mitchell continues to make his impact for the Gauchos as he registered six points, going 100 percent from the field, while adding on three assists.

At the start of the second half, UC Santa Barbara continued adding pressure on the Roadrunners. They grew their lead to as much as 12 during this second half thanks to key plays from Koat Keat Tong and Miles Norris. With the help of the rest of the Gauchos, UC Santa Barbara kept their opponents at arms-length, finishing with a score of 60-48.

LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS

• Norris had his second game in the row leading the Gauchos in scoring. He finished tonight with 14 points, going four-for-six from the field. Along with that, he grabbed five rebounds, two of which were offensive, while putting up a block.
• Sanni earned his fourth double-digit night this season as he tallied 10 points. He went 2-for-three from beyond the arc while helping his teammates score, tallying two assists.
• Tong had his best performance since suiting up for the Blue and Gold. He finished the game with a new career-high in points with eight, shooting at a 66.7 percent clip. Not only did he shoot well in the field, but from the charity stripe, making 100 percent of his free throws. 

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will return to The Thunderdome for the first home game of 2023 as they take on the Highlanders of UC Riverside. Tipoff will be at 7 p.m. in Santa Barbara with a live stream through ESPN+. Live stats will also be available through ucsbgauchos.com.