SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The UC Santa Barbara Men's Basketball team (9-4, 2-0 Big West) defeated the Portland Pilots (7-6, 0-0 WCC) 79-61 at The Thunderdome on Monday afternoon. UC Santa Barbara led by as much as 27, while the win was aided by 14 three-pointers and forced 14 turnovers.
 
FROM HEAD COACH JOE PASTERNACK
"We are working really hard on defense and our first half today was the best defensive intensity we had all year," said Pasternack. "Our biggest struggle has been if we can put two halves together, and we have to have the first half intensity all game. Portland is a very good WCC team and we showed we can defend against the best."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
UC Santa Barbara opened with strong offensive coordination, highlighted by an early three-pointer from Colin Smith assisted by Aidan Mahaney. The home team quickly matched the Pilots' scoring pace, maintaining momentum with multiple three-point shots. Defensive stops, including a block by Hosana Kitenge and five steals, disrupted the Pilots' flow, allowing UC Santa Barbara to capitalize on turnovers.
 
As the first half progressed, UC Santa Barbara's shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc, contributed to a widening lead. CJ Shaw's late three-pointer, assisted by Smith, extended the advantage. With effective fast breaks and strong rebounding, including a defensive rebound followed by a fast break layup by Shaw, UC Santa Barbara closed the first half ahead 36–23.
 
UC Santa Barbara opened the second half with strong execution, as Kitenge's early layup initiated a scoring surge. Mahaney further extended the lead with a series of successful 3-pointers, while Shaw contributed with key assists. The team effectively capitalized on turnovers, highlighted by Evans Kipruto's fast-break dunk following a steal.
 
Midway through the half, UC Santa Barbara maintained their advantage through disciplined ball movement and effective shooting. Kitenge and Zachiah Clark added to the score with big 3-point shots, keeping the opposition at bay. Despite the Pilots' attempts to close the gap, UC Santa Barbara's defensive efforts, including multiple steals, secured their control.
 
As the half concluded, UC Santa Barbara continued to display offensive efficiency with Michael Simcoe adding a late jumper. The Gauchos got back in the win column and sent the 3,022 fans home happy for the holidays.
 
NOTABLES

• Aidan Mahaney has scored 13 or more points in five of his last six games.
• CJ Shaw's 10-point, 11-assist is the first double-double of his collegiate career. Over his last five games he has recorded 22 assists to just six turnovers.
• The Gauchos improved their win streak against Portland to three games. Their last loss to the Pilots was during the 2010-11 season.
• The Gauchos close their non-conference home slate 4-1. Now after nine seasons, UC Santa Barbara is 54-5 in The Thunderdome in non-conference games under Pasternack.

 
UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara will head into Big West play sitting at 9-4 overall. The Gauchos first game after a 10-day competition break will be on Jan. 1 against Cal State Fullerton. The Gauchos and Titans will tip off at 7 p.m. in Titan Gym. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with live stats available.