SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — UC Santa Barbara Men's Basketball convincingly defeated Nobel 84-49 at The Thunderdome. UC Santa Barbara dominated, forcing 23 turnovers and scoring 27 points off those opportunities. The Gauchos also excelled in the paint, scoring 50 points of their 84 in the paint.
 
FROM HEAD COACH JOE PASTERNACK
"Tonight, it was nice to have a former Gaucho point guard back in The Thunderdome," started Pasternack. "For us, it is all about getting better and preparing for conference play. We had a hard practice yesterday and a lot of talks about where we have to improve."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
UC Santa Barbara established early momentum with a solid start, highlighted by an early layup from Hosana Kitenge. Aidan Mahaney contributed a three-pointer, pushing the team ahead. The Gauchos capitalized on turnovers, with Miro Little and CJ Shaw's key steals that led to fast-break opportunities, expanding the lead.
 
The Gauchos maintained control with an effective inside presence, scoring 26 points in the paint. Marvin McGhee IV made significant contributions, including a fast-break dunk and a three-pointer, to extend the lead. By the end of the half, UC Santa Barbara led 42–19.
 
UC Santa Barbara opened the second half by maintaining their offensive momentum, with McGhee IV and Zion Sensley contributing key rebounds and points in the paint. Shaw facilitated scoring opportunities, assisting in a series of successful fast breaks and layups that extended the lead. The team capitalized on defensive rebounds and forced turnovers, which were instrumental in their scoring surge.
 
Sensley and Luke Zuffelato further propelled the scoring with key 3-pointers and dunks, respectively, sustaining the offensive pressure. The home team showcased efficient shooting from the field and free throw line, effectively managing the clock and possessions. Despite the Knights' attempts to close the gap with points in the paint and a few fast breaks, the Gauchos finished off the game, winning 84–49.
 
NOTABLES

• Santa Barbara native Luke Zuffelato scored his first collegiate points tonight, scoring seven points, going 3-of-6 from the field.
• Evans Kipruto put together a solid performance with eight points and five rebounds.
• Zion Sensley recorded his second double-double of the season with 11 points and 12 rebounds in the contest.
• Marvin McGhee IV had a breakout game, scoring 14 points with 10 of them coming a in a two minute span in the first half.

 
UP NEXT
The Gauchos will head to Las Vegas, Nevada, this upcoming week as they compete in The Resorts World Classic on Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29. UC Santa Barbara will play Lehigh on Friday and, depending on results either Seattle or Texas State on Saturday.