SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The UC Santa Barbara Men's Basketball defeated San Francisco State 98-67 on Tuesday night to open the 2025-26 season on the right foot. The Gauchos capitalized on their offensive rebounds, securing 24 and converting them into 31 second-chance points. UC Santa Barbara's bench contributed significantly with 47 points.

FROM HEAD COACH JOE PASTERNACK
"We have to get better defensively," said Pasternack. "We had some mistakes, and were lazy on defense, and we have to fix that. I am really proud of Zion Sensley, and he has such a high ceiling. For him to grab 14 rebounds, I am just really proud of him." 

HOW IT HAPPENED
UC Santa Barbara's opening half was characterized by strong offensive execution and solid defensive efforts. UCSB established an early lead with a series of layups and 3-pointers, including contributions from Aidan Mahaney and Hosana Kitenge. Throughout the half, the Gauchos' bench provided significant support, contributing 24 points to the team's total of 58 in the first half. 

Defensively, Santa Barbara controlled the boards, amassing 29 total rebounds, with 11 on the offensive end, which fueled second-chance opportunities. The Gauchos maintained their advantage by closing the half with a 23-point lead, 58-35.

UC Santa Barbara started the second half maintaining their momentum from earlier, as Jason Fontenet II contributed defensively with a block, and Kitenge and Mahaney capitalized on the offensive end with key points in the paint, extending their lead. Midway through the half, Zion Sensley added to the advantage with a tip-in followed by successful free throws, while Miro Little and Colin Smith were effective in securing defensive rebounds to limit S.F. State's opportunities.

In the following minutes, UC Santa Barbara continued to control the pace, with Kitenge scoring on a fast break and Sensley connecting on a three-pointer, further widening the margin. CJ Shaw added to the tally with a high-flying dunk following a missed shot. Despite S.F. State's efforts to cut into the deficit, UC Santa Barbara concluded the game with a 96-67 victory.

NOTEABLES

• The Gauchos' 98 points scored is the second most in a season opener under Head Coach Joe Pasternack. 
• Pasternack now moves to 8-1 in season openers at the helm of UC Santa Barbara.
• UC Santa Barbara's 58-point first half is tied for the eighth-most points scored in a first half in program history. 
• The Blue and Gold never trailed in the game and led for 98.17 percent of game time.

UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara will be back in action on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. as they host San Jose State. The Gauchos encourage fans to wear white as they look to white out The Thunderdome against the Spartans. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with live stats available.