HONOLULU — The UC Santa Barbara men's basketball team fell in another overtime thriller, this time to Hawaii, 78-75. The Gauchos took a two-point lead into the half and led by as much as eight. The Rainbow Warriors tied the game up with two seconds left off and offensive rebound to force overtime and carried that momentum into overtime.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
UC Santa Barbara opened the game with a strong offensive showing, highlighted by Aidan Mahaney's early 3-pointer to set the tone. Colin Smith contributed defensively with a steal, leading to a balanced attack that saw multiple players scoring. Despite turnovers, the team maintained momentum through key assists and defensive rebounds.
 
As the half progressed, the Gauchos overcame several ties, with decisive contributions from Marvin McGhee IV and Mahaney. The team demonstrated resilience, maintaining a narrow lead through effective free-throw shooting and defensive stops. The half closed with a last-second 3-pointer from CJ Shaw, securing a 32-30 advantage at the end of the first half.
 
UC Santa Barbara opened the second half with a strong 8–0 run, featuring a jumper by Zion Sensley and a layup by Colin Smith to gain a 38–30 advantage. The eight point cushion was their largest of the game. Despite Hawaii's response, the Gauchos maintained the upper hand with efficient scoring from Mahaney. The team managed to hold onto their advantage, leading 45–37 midway through the half.
 
As the half progressed, UC Santa Barbara faced a surge from the Rainbow Warriors, who briefly overtook the lead at 53–51. However, a timely 3-pointer by McGhee IV helped the Gauchos regain momentum. The visitors then strengthened their position with a layup and free throw by Smith, pushing the score to 57–53.
 
In the closing moments, McGhee made a crucial offensive rebound and subsequent layup at the seven-second mark to put the team ahead 68–66. Nevertheless, Hawaii managed to equalize with two seconds left. A half-court heave by Mahaney rimmed out, resulting in a 68–68 tie to end the half.
 
UC Santa Barbara began overtime with a narrow lead but faced immediate pressure as Hawaii's Isaiah Kerr hit a 3-pointer, shifting momentum. Sensley answered with a 3-pointer of his own, drawing the score to 73–72. Hosana Kitenge followed up with a layup to briefly put the Santa Barbara ahead.
 
However, Hawai'i responded with a layup and free throw, reclaiming the lead. After a missed floater in the lane, the Gauchos grabbed the rebound and brought it up the court. UC Santa Barbara called a timeout to set up one final shot to send the game to double overtime. Shaw got off a last second attempt but missed short. The Gauchos feel in their second consecutive overtime game, 78-75.
 
UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara will return to the court on Thursday, Feb. 26 as they host UC Riverside at 6 p.m. At halftime of the contest the Gauchos will be inducting UC Santa Barbara men's basketball Legend, Orlando Johnson as a Legend of the 'Dome. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with live stats available.