SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The UC Santa Barbara men's basketball team (9-7, 2-3 Big West) dropped its third consecutive game Thursday night to UC Davis (9-6, 2-2 Big West), 93-86. The Gauchos have now lost their last five meetings against the Aggies. Despite leading by four at halftime, UC Santa Barbara was outscored 50-39 in the second half.
 
FROM HEAD COACH JOE PASTERNACK
"We have an issue with defense and a bunch of guys that just like to think about offense," said Pasternack. "When you give up 93 points, you won't beat anyone. We are going through a rough stretch and battling some adversity. During this time, you really figure out who is in your corner."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
UC Santa Barbara started the first half with a strong offensive display, highlighted by Miro Little's early 3-pointers and Aidan Mahaney's fast-paced layups. The Gauchos established momentum with a series of successful 3-point shots, leading to a 22-4 advantage midway through the half. The Gauchos capitalized on turnovers by UC Davis, with Marvin McGhee IV contributing defensively and offensively, including a key steal and assist.
 
As the half progressed, UC Davis responded with a series of 3-pointers to narrow the gap. Despite their efforts, UC Santa Barbara maintained its lead. The Gauchos concluded the first half with a 47-43 lead, having effectively utilized points in the paint and fast breaks to sustain their advantage.
 
UC Santa Barbara opened the second half with the lead but quickly found themselves in a back-and-forth battle with UC Davis. After the Aggies tied the game at 47, UC Santa Barbara responded with a layup from Colin Smith, assisted by Little, to briefly regain momentum. Despite efforts from Mahaney and Hosana Kitenge at the free-throw line, UC Davis pulled ahead with a series of successful shots and maintained their advantage.
 
As the half progressed, UC Santa Barbara clawed back to one possession with help from a three-pointer by Koat Keat Tong, which narrowed the deficit to four. CJ Shaw's free throws and a layup by Little kept the score close, but UC Davis continued to capitalize on their opportunities, extending their lead with critical baskets down the stretch. The Gauchos managed to cut the lead with a late layup by Shaw, but the Aggies sealed the half with a series of successful free throws. The half ended with UC Davis leading 91-84.
 
UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara will have a week to prepare for Cal State Bakersfield as they travel to Bakersfield on Thursday, Jan. 15. The Gauchos and Roadrunners will tip off ay 6:30 p.m. with the game being broadcast on ESPN+ with live stats available.