SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The UC Santa Barbara men's basketball team narrowly fell to CSUN with a final score of 85-83 in overtime Thursday night. The Gauchos overcame a five-point halftime deficit, scoring 49 points in the second half, but were unable to secure the win in a tightly contested matchup. Both teams exchanged leads frequently, with the game featuring 10 ties and 11 lead changes.
FROM HEAD COACH JOE PASTERNACK
"Our guys really battled in the second half, but at the end of the day, they were better than us on the boards," said Pasternack. "They out-rebounded us 52-49, and we gave up 17 offensive rebounds. We were not tough in rebounding the ball tonight."
HOW IT HAPPENED
UC Santa Barbara initiated the first half with an early lead, opening the scoring with a
Hosana Kitenge layup. The team maintained momentum through a series of successful plays, including a 3-pointer by
Marvin McGhee IV at the 15-minute mark, pushing the score to 7-2.
Colin Smith contributed significantly with a layup and 3-pointer, extending the lead to 12-8.
However, the Matadors answered back, narrowing the margin with a 3-pointer by Joshua O'Garro, tying the score at 19-19. Despite the Gauchos' efforts, including a fast-break 3-pointer by
Aidan Mahaney at 6:30, the Matadors took control in the latter part of the half. Josiah Davis and Mahmoud Fofana combined for crucial plays, helping CSUN close the half on top. The first half concluded with CSUN leading 32-27.
UC Santa Barbara entered the second half trailing slightly and quickly found momentum with a scoring drive led by Mahaney's back-to-back 3-pointers, flipping the score to 39-37. McGhee IV added crucial points from the perimeter, further extending the lead to 50-41. The team capitalized on fast breaks and strong defensive rebounds, maintaining pressure throughout the half.
Despite CSUN's efforts, including Larry Hughes II's successful free throws, the Gauchos kept their edge. A critical 3-pointer by
CJ Shaw at the 47-second mark regained a narrow lead. Mahaney's free throws in the closing seconds secured the advantage. The Matadors pulled within two in the closing seconds and forced a Gaucho turnover quickly after, leading to a layup and pushing the game to overtime tied at 76.
UC Santa Barbara struggled to find its rhythm in overtime, managing just one field goal. Mahaney connected from beyond the arc at 3:35, briefly regaining the lead for the Gauchos. Despite their defensive efforts, including a block by Kitenge, the Gauchos faced a persistent offense from the Matadors, who capitalized on key free throws late in overtime.
CSUN maintained pressure, with Davis contributing crucial points from the free-throw line, extending the Matador lead. Shaw kept the Gauchos in contention with four successful free throws in the final minute. However, the Gauchos could not pull in front and fell to CSUN 85-83.
UP NEXT
The Gauchos will take their longest trip of the season to Hawai'i on Saturday, Feb. 21. The Gauchos and Rainbow Warriors will tip off at 7 p.m. Pacific Time and the game will be nationally televised on ESPNU with live stats available.
