SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- The UC Santa Barbara men's basketball team returns to The Thunderdome on Thursday, before traveling to UC Irvine on Saturday. The Gauchos sit tied for fourth in The Big West at 10-7, just one game behind the conference leaders.

HONORING A LEGEND
During halftime, the Gauchos will be inducting former UC Santa Barbara men's basketball student-athlete Orlando Johnson. The three-time All-American will be the newest member of the Legends of the Dome. Johnson remains the program's all-time leading scorer with over 1,800 points in just three seasons with the Gauchos. Along with being a three-time Lou Henson Mid-Major All-American, he was a three-time NABC All- District selection, three-time All-Big West selection, the 2009-10 Big West Player of the Year and two-time Big West Tournament MVP.

ABOUT LAST WEEK
The Gauchos dropped two overtime games last week and enter this week on a three-game losing streak. UCSB has played three straight games decided by five points or fewer as The Big West race continues to tighten.

SCOUTING THE HIGHLANDERS
UC Riverside enters the week at 4-13 in conference play and 9-20 overall. Despite their record, the Highlanders have shown signs of a surge, winning 3 of their last 4 games before falling at UC Davis.

Riverside is led by Andrew Henderson, who is averaging 17.9 points per game overall – the third highest mark in the Big West. Marqui Worthy Jr. adds over 15 points per game and serves as the primary playmaker, while BJ Kolly provides interior presence on the glass. Riverside has shown the ability to score in spurts, including a 93-point outing earlier this month versus Cal State Bakersfield. 

UCSB defeated the Highlanders 76-68 in the first meeting.

SCOUTING THE ANTEATERS
Tied at the top of the Big West, UC Irvine enters the week at 18-10 overall. The Anteaters have won two of their last three, but are coming off a narrow 71-69 loss to UC San Diego.

UC Irvine is averaging 77.3 points per game while holding opponents to 67.6, one of the best scoring margins in the conference. Jurian Dixon leads the team with 15.4 points per game, while Kyle Evans anchors the interior with 12.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. 

The Gauchos defeated UC Irvine 84-79 in the first meeting earlier this month.

FOLLOW ALONG
UC Santa Barbara and UC Riverside will tip off at 6 PM on Thursday, and can be streamed on ESPN+. The Gaucho's game on Saturday versus the Anteaters will tip off at 7:30 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN2.