LONG BEACH, Calif. — The No. 13 UC Santa Barbara Men's Water Polo team hits the road for their final tour away from home in the regular season, starting some more Big West action against No. 11 Long Beach State on Saturday. The Gauchos are hoping to bounce back after a narrow defeat to No. 16 UC Irvine in their last game. Despite the one-goal loss, Danilo Dragovic and Levi Lentin showed promise for the Gauchos as they look to bounce back this weekend. 

LAST TIME OUT
Saturday proved to be another close game for the Gauchos, their fourth-straight game decided by one goal and their eighth total on the season. Following the loss, the Gauchos dropped to 1-1 in conference play and 15-11 overall, leaving them tied for third in the conference standings. The Gauchos had previously been on the winning end of five out of their last nine games decided by two goals or fewer, but unfortunately Saturday's matchup did not fall their way. 

In what was a back-and-forth battle from start to finish, the Gauchos never held a lead and were fighting an uphill battle from the start. Danilo Dragovic (four goals and one assist) and Sam McKenzie (three goals) led the way offensively for the Gauchos, while Levi Lentin held down the fort with his second-straight game posting double-digit saves. 

GAUCHOS TO KNOW
Dragovic is having a career season leading the Big West in goals and points. Brock Zamanian isn't far behind, ranked fifth in goals, and McKenzie is making a name for himself coming in at seventh in the Big West for goals, and second overall for points. Landon Lassahn is leading the way when it comes to field blocks as well, sitting second in the Big West rankings with 11. Dragovic has a career high 55 goals and 69 points to top the charts, and McKenzie's 60 points are a personal best as well. 

SCOUTING THE BEACH
No. 11 Long Beach State is coming off a strong win against the Tritons of UC San Diego but were tripped up by the No. 5 Fordham Rams, suffering an overtime loss in a non-conference contest. In their last meeting, the Beach earned a 12-9 win over the Gauchos a little over a year ago, adding to their all-time series lead of 69 wins to the Gauchos' 61. The Beach are a strong 2-0 in Big West play, entering the weekend tied for top spot in the conference. 

The Beach, led by 6-foot-4 sophomore Gabi Acosta, are forced to be reckoned with. Acosta leads The Big West in goals per game and is second in total goals, just one behind the Gauchos' Dragovic. Last year's Second Team All-American and Big West Player and Freshman of the Year will pose a threat to the Gauchos this upcoming weekend. However, putting a stop to his reign might just be enough for the Gauchos to prevail. 

WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH
Saturday's game will be under the lights, starting at 7 p.m. at the Long Beach Community College Aquatics complex. Fans can also follow along with all the action at ucsbgauchos.com/MWP_Stats.