SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The UC Santa Barbara Men's Basketball team started off the Mountain to Sea Showcase with a 67-51 win over Eastern Washington. While the game was close for the majority of the time, a late surge by Deuce Turner and the Gauchos propelled the Blue and Gold to a double digit victory.

FROM HEAD COACH JOE PASTERNACK
"After the UTEP game we had some conversations and what it means to play at UC Santa Barbara," said Pasternack. "It does not matter who we play but it is how we play. Our guys, especially in the second half played really well defensively. We held them to 29 percent shooting from the field in the second half and limited some of their top scorers."

HOW IT HAPPENED
UC Santa Barbara opened the game shooting making their first five shots with assists coming on all five baskets. The Blue and Gold were also an impressive 3-for-3 on three point shots. After a posterizing dunk and a layup by Kenny Pohto the Gauchos had built a three point lead at the first media timeout. Santa Barbara was able to maintain that lead through under 12 media timeout. Max Murrell would pace the Gauchos with nine points.

As the game moved into the latter part of the first half, turnovers hurt the Gauchos allowing the Eagles to get back into the game. At the five minute mark EWU regained the lead for the first time since their opening possession. The two teams traded buckets for the remainder of the opening half but it would be the Gauchos that came out in front at the break, 30-28.

After a slow start by both sides to open the second half the Gauchos went on 8-0 run to build a seven point lead. A steal by Deuce Turner lead to a fast break layup for the Grad transfer. EWU tried to climb back in the game and pulled within one possession but the Gauchos held strong and quickly built their lead up to eight. 

After the under eight media timeout it was all Gauchos. UC Santa Barbara went on an 13-0 run to build their lead to 18. Deuce Turner and Stephan Swenson led the way combining for 11 of the 13 points. The Gauchos maintained that lead for the rest of the contest and walked away with their fifth victory of the season.

UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara will stay in the friendly confines of The Thunderdome as they host Mississippi Valley State on Friday, Nov. 29. The Gauchos and Delta Devils will tip off at 7 p.m.