HENDERSON, Nev. - The fifth-seeded UC Santa Barbara Men's Basketball team (19-12, 11-9 Big West) opens their chase for another championship with eighth-seeded Cal State Bakersfield (14-18, 8-12). The Gauchos and Roadrunners tip off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada.

LAST TIME OUT
The Gauchos led for nearly 35 minutes of game play in their series finale against the Anteaters but ultimately fell, 97-88. In the game four Gauchos scored in double-figures with Deuce Turner leading the way with a season-high 28. Also in double figures was Colin Smith (18), Stephan Swenson (13) and Jason Fontenet II (11).

SCOUTING THE ROADRUNNERS
Cal State Bakersfield enters the tournament as the No. 8 seed, the same seed they earned last postseason. When the Gauchos and 'Runners meet it will mark the first Big West postseason meeting between the two sides. UC Santa Barbara got the best of the 'Runners in the regular season, winning both matchups.

The Gauchos and Roadrunners both enter the game as top 20 teams in three-point percentage. Although taking them at different rates, both still capitalize on their opportunities. As of games through March 9, the Gauchos ranked sixth in all of Division I while the Roadrunners ranked 17th. The teams rank first in second respectively in the conference in the stat category.

Bakersfield looks to crash the glass on the offensive end of the ball as they rank as a top 50 program in offensive rebounds per game. CSUB averages nearly 13 per contest.

Jemel Jones in the primary threat on Bakersfield. The junior guard is averaging 19.1 points per game, good for 41st nationally. Also averaging in double figures is Corey Stephenson and Marvin McGhee III. During conference play the trio combined for 57.3 percent of all points scored by the 'Runners. Jones turned his game up a notch in Big West action averaging over 20 points per game.

THE ROAD AHEAD
Should the Gauchos prevail in their opening round they would advance to take on the No. 4 CSUN on Thursday, March 13. Following that game, with a win, the Gauchos would face No. 1 UC San Diego on Friday, March 14. All game times for the Gauchos will be 6 p.m., besides the Championship contest.

FOLLOW ALONG
UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Bakersfield will tip off at 6 p.m. tomorrow, March 12 at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada. For those unable to make the trip out for the Championships, the game will be streamed through ESPN+ with live stats available through ucsbgauchos.com/MBBLiveStats.