EL PASO, Texas – The UC Santa Barbara Men's Basketball team (0-1) is ready for their first road game of the season as they make the trip to El Paso, Texas to take on the UTEP Miners. These two programs only played each other once before back in 1958.
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Gauchos started their season in The Thunderdome against the Portland State Vikings. Even though UC Santa Barbara kept it close throughout most of the game, it was the Vikings who came out on top with a score of 82-76. Cole Anderson led the team in scoring with 21 points while Josh Pierre-Louis added on 16. Ariel Bland led the team in rebounds with 13.
 
MANAGING THE MINERS
UTEP is coming into this game with two wins, taking down Division III opponent McMurry and NAIA opponent University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. In both of these contests, the Miners recorded at least 120 points.
 
The Miners have a freshman that has put up the most points for them so far this season. Elijah Jones of Pleasantville, N.J. has racked up 38 points so far this season.
 
These strong showings by the Miners have them ranked highly on the national stage. They are No. 1 in the NCAA in bench points per game with 69.0 while they sit in fourth in fastbreak points, assists per game and steals per game.
 
Derick Hamilton has made the most of his time on the court. In the 22 minutes has played in these two games, he has made every single shot he has attempted.
 
Kevin Kalu has been one of the main players crashing the boards for the Miners. He currently leads the team in rebounds with 17. Most of these rebounds came in UTEP's game against USAO, when he secured 13. Following up close behind him is senior Jon Dos Anjos, who has 11 rebounds so far this season.
 
WHEREABOUTS
The Gauchos will play at the Don Haskins Center beginning at 6 p.m. PT on Monday, Nov. 13. This game will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network.