UCSB completes sweep of CSF 73 - 65

The UCSB Men's basketball team completed a regular season sweep of Cal. State, Fullerton by winning in Titan Gym 73 - 65. The Gauchos (15 - 8, 10 - 3) remained in first place in the Big West Conference, one-half game ahead of UOP, who also won over Long Beach State 74 - 52 yesterday.

Orlando Johnson led the Gauchos to a 35 - 34 halftime lead with 12 points, while James Nunnally led the Gauchos with 14 of his 18 points in the second half. Jaime Serna also scored 11 of his 13 points in the decisive second half, despite back spasms. Johnson led the Gauchos with eight rebounds, followed by Nunnally's 7 caroms.

But the shot that turned the tide for the Gauchos may have been Justin Joyner's 3-point basket late in the second half, his first points of the season. It was indicative of Joyner's increased playing time and comfort level after returning from a redshirt year due to a broken wrist, delayed further by a severely sprained ankle. The Gauchos executed their halfcourt offense well, finished on fast break opportunities, while still applying their suffocating defense on the perimeter.

The Titans (13 - 12, 7 - 6) were led by the trio of Gerard Anderson, Aaron Thompson, and Orane Chin with 14 points each. Jer'Vaughn Johnson and Thompson led the Titans with 11 and 10 rebounds, respectively, while Jacques Streeter handed out five assists.

The Gauchos continue their road trip by playing Fresno State Saturday, February 20 at 7:30 pm. The match up is part of ESPN's Bracket Buster series.

Box Score

Gauchos defeat CSF 85 - 80 in overtime

The UCSB Men's basketball team squeaked by the Cal. State, Fullerton Titans 85 - 80 in overtime in a Big West Conference game at the Thunderdome. Orlando Johnson drilled a clutch 3-point shot in regulation to tie the game and send it overtime. James Powell hit a couple of key baskets in overtime, including a 3-point shot to start play beyond regulation. Johnson led the Gauchos (10 - 7, 5 - 2) with 27 points, followed by James Nunnally with 25 points, and Powell with 14 points. Nunnally led the Gauchos with 10 rebounds, completing a double-double for him.

The Titans (8 - 10, 3 - 4) were led by Jer'Vaughn Johnson with 22 points and Devon Peltier's 21 points off the bench. Gerard Anderson led the Titans with 10 rebounds, while Aaron Thompson followed up with eight boards.

The Gauchos were forced to come back late in the second half after squandering a 51 - 35 lead with 14:59 left to play in regulation. The Titans managed to hold a 3-point lead until Johnson's last-second heroics tied the game 72 - 72 at the end of regulation. After Powell's 5-point barrage to start the overtime period, the Gauchos never relinquished the lead, finishing with Nunnally's dunk in the final seconds.

The Cal Poly SLO Mustangs visit the Thunderdome in another Big West contest with the Gauchos this Thursday, January 28 at 7 pm.

Box Score

UCSB beats CSULA 85 - 57 in season opener

The UCSB Men's basketball team beat Cal. State, Los Angeles 85 - 57 in the Gauchos' regular season opener at the Thunderdome. Orlando Johnson paced the offensive attack with 19 points, shooting a perfect 7 - 7 from the field, including 1 - 1 behind the 3-point line. Veterans James Powell and Sam Phippen both added 14 points apiece--a career-high for Phippen, while Jon Pastorek chipped in 11 points.

Pastorek led the Gauchos (1 - 0) with 6 rebounds, Powell dished out 5 assists, and Jordan Weiner led the defense with 3 steals.

Despite James Nunnally, Justin Joyner, and Chris Brew not playing, the Gauchos' depth overwhelmed the Golden Eagles (0 - 1) in the second half, after UCSB had opened up a 40 - 36 halftime lead. Johnson and Powell led a 19 - 2 run to start the second half, breaking open a tight game.

Dwayne Jones led the Golden Eagles with 15 points, while Nuno Furtado had 11 rebounds.

Post-Game Interviews

Box Score

Cal. State-LA visits UCSB in the Thunderdome

The Cal.-State, Los Angeles Golden Eagles visit the Thunderdome this Saturday, November 14, to play the UCSB Men's basketball team in the Gauchos' regular season opener. Game time has been moved to 3:00 pm.

Jaime Serna is expected to make his season debut after missing last week's 101 - 64 exhibition win over Sonoma State due to a biceps injury. Justin Joyner will probably miss his second game until his sprained ankle fully heals.

Expected to start at point guard is Paul Roemer. The wings will be manned by James Powell and Orlando Johnson, the leading scorer in the Sonoma State game with 21 points. Either one of forwards Jon Pastorek or Greg Somogyi will start alongside Serna.

The Golden Eagles are led by Chris Fields and Dwayne Evans.

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