SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — The UC Santa Barbara men's basketball team fell to Cal Poly for the first time since January 2018. UC Santa Barbara led by nine at halftime, but the Mustangs surged back with a 52-point second half. UC Santa Barbara's shooting included 13 3-pointers, but Poly's second-half shooting proved to be the difference.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
UC Santa Barbara began the first half by taking an early lead. Aidan Mahaney's shooting, including a 3-pointer at 16:51, kept the score tight as the teams traded leads. Colin Smith and Zion Sensley contributed crucial points to maintain momentum, with Sensley hitting a 3-pointer at 9:23 to extend the Gaucho lead.
 
The team capitalized on turnovers, with CJ Shaw and Marvin McGhee IV making impactful plays. Shaw's 3-pointer at 3:12 and subsequent free throws in the final seconds helped UC Santa Barbara close the half on top. The half concluded with UC Santa Barbara leading 46–37.
 
UC Santa Barbara began the second half with a 3-pointer from Sensley, extending its lead early. However, the Mustangs quickly responded with an 18-1 run after that. UC Santa Barbara struggled to maintain momentum as Poly capitalized on turnovers and defensive rebounds.
 
As the half progressed, Mahaney's shooting kept the Gauchos competitive, but Cal Poly continued to apply pressure. Sensley added another 3-pointer, but the Mustangs' offensive efforts, including multiple successful free throws and fast-break points, allowed them to pull ahead.
 
The game closed with Poly extending its lead, thanks to consistent scoring and defensive stops. The half ended with the Mustangs leading, 89-79, after outscoring UC Santa Barbara 52-33 in the second half.
 
UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara returns home on Thursday, Feb. 19, as they take on CSUN in The Thunderdome. The Gauchos and Matadors will tip off at 6 p.m., with the game broadcast on ESPN+ and live stats will be available.