BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The UC Santa Barbara Men's Basketball team (15-8, 7-5 Big West) defeated Cal State Bakersfield 81-75 Thursday night in Bakersfield. The Gauchos shot over 70 percent from the field (a season high) and over 65 percent from three (another season high). The Gauchos hot night was too much fro the Roadrunners as the Gauchos moved to 11-1 all-time against the Roadrunners. 

FROM HEAD COACH JOE PASTERNACK
"Our guys really battled tonight," said Pasternack. "Winning the rebounding war was the key to this game."

HOW IT HAPPENED
UC Santa Barbara opened the first half with strong performances from Kenny Pohto and Jason Fontenet II, who each contributed to early scoring efforts. Stephan Swenson added a 3-pointer helping to maintain an early lead. As the half progressed, UC Santa Barbara maintained momentum with significant contributions from Pohto and Swenson, who combined for multiple buckets, including a layup by Swenson at 5:15, extending the Gauchos lead. Santa Barbara ended the half with a solid 44-38 advantage, bolstered by Pohto's consistent scoring.

In the second half, UC Santa Barbara saw a strong performance from Max Murrell, who hit multiple 3-pointers, contributing to the team's scoring efforts deep range attack. Stephan Swenson played a crucial role with several assists, including setting up a fast-break layup for Jason Fontenet II at the 9:15 mark, which helped the Gauchos maintain momentum. The Gauchos dug in defensively down the stretch and held on to win 81-75.

LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS

• The Gauchos 81 points are the most they have ever scored against the Roadrunners, topping their previous high from earlier this season, 78.
• The Gauchos 71.4 percent shooting percentage tonight is the second highest field goal percentage set by any Division I school this season and the highest field goal percentage for a single game in program history. The highest shooting percentage in a single game this season is by Miami (Ohio) who shot 71.6 percent on Dec. 30. The previous mark for field goal percentage in a single game for the Gauchos was 71 percent set against New Mexico State in the 1983-84 season.
• Max Murrell set a new season high with 13 points topping his previous high of 12 set against Cal Poly on Jan. 11.

UP NEXT
The Gauchos return home to The Thunderdome this Saturday as they host Hawai'i at 7 p.m. For those coming to the game make sure to wear blue as the Gauchos will be having a Blue Out for the contest. As always, for those unable to make it the game can be streamed through ESPN+ with live stats available through ucsbgauchos.com/MBBLiveStats.