SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The UC Santa Barbara Men's Basketball team defeated San Jose State 85-74 on Saturday afternoon. The Gauchos built a commanding 17-point lead in the first half and, behind Colin Smith's career scoring output, were able to fend off the Spartans' late surge.
 
FROM HEAD COACH JOE PASTERNACK
"I thought we had an excellent first half, with the exception of rebounding," said Pasternack. "This team has a lot of talent and we are still learning each other, this was a good test. This was a great challenge for us to get better and be ready for conference play."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
UC Santa Barbara opened the first half strong, establishing control with efficient shooting from beyond the arc. Aidan Mahaney hit multiple 3-pointers, contributing to an early lead and recorded a season-high total of 17 points. The Gauchos were five for their first five beyond the arc to open the game.
 
UC Santa Barbara capitalized on fast-break opportunities, with CJ Shaw scoring a key layup in transition. Despite some turnovers, UC Santa Barbara maintained their edge with a balanced offensive attack, outscoring the Spartans 45–28 by the end of the half.
 
Smith was instrumental, making a career-high eight field goals and recording a career-high total of 24 points. Despite San Jose's attempt to close the gap with a series of baskets, UCSB responded with scoring from Zion Sensley and Mahaney, keeping the pressure on the visitors.
 
Midway through the half, UCSB capitalized on turnovers and maintained its scoring rhythm, highlighted by a fast-break layup by Kitenge and a three-pointer from Smith, which bolstered their advantage. As the half progressed, Little and Smith continued to contribute offensively, ensuring UCSB stayed ahead.
 
The half concluded with UCSB victorious, with a final score of 85-74, despite the Spartans' efforts to narrow the gap.
 
NOTABLES

• Colin Smith had a career day scoring 24 points on eight made baskets with half of them coming from beyond the arc. Smith was also perfect from the free throw line going 4-for-4.
• Point Guard Miro Little led the team in rebounding grabbing eight boards, while the next closest player grabbed three.
• For the second game in a row, at least four Gauchos scored in double-figures.
• For the fourth time under Head Coach Joe Pasternack, the Gauchos have started the season 2-0.

 
UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara will head north to Sacramento for their first road test of the season as it takes on Sacramento State on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The Gauchos and Hornets will tip off at 7 p.m.