UCR vs UCSB Game Preview, by gauchodan

Game 16 (BW Game 4)
UC Riverside at UCSB
Saturday, January 14, 2023, 7:00 pm PST
Santa Barbara, Calif.
 
Quick Bite
The Gauchos (13-2, 4-0) have smoke-and-mirrored their way to their best start in 34 years.  The schedule has helped, certainly, but the team does seem to find a way to unlock a secret code in each game to record the victory.  Wednesday, CSU Bakersfield never threatened but UCSB never really pulled away either.  Ajare Sanni scored 8 of UCSB's first 11 points with a couple of threes, which is the spark UCSB needs from him as a starter.  The more other players can heat up on offense, the load is thus distributed away from Ajay Mitchell.  Andre Kelly was better although still not at his November peak.  Koat Keat Tong scored a career-high 6 points and has cemented his "first-big-off-the-bench" role.  Jakov Kukic was a DNP as Evans Kipruto got 4 minutes of run. 

Hopefully, UCSB is not looking past the dangerous Highlanders (11-6, 4-1) to their MLK showdown at Irvine.  Through the vagaries of COVID scheduling/cancellations, the last 4 games have been played in the Inland Empire.  UC Riverside has played the last 2+ games without Big West Conference-leading scorer Zyon Pullin, who is nursing some kind of ankle injury.  There's no word on his status.  In his absence, UCR was blown out at home by Cal State Fullerton and fell 18 points behind at UC San Diego before something clicked.  Riverside closed the game on a 33-9 run led by Jamal Hartwell II's career-high 30 points.  The Highlanders also erased an 18-point deficit at Loyola Marymount this season.  UCR has never won in Santa Barbara.

UC Riverside-UCSB History
UCSB leads the series 39-11.
Recent games
February 26, 2022: W 97-90 at Riverside (2OT)
February 27, 2021: L 52-68 at Riverside
February 26, 2021: W 72-68 at Riverside
February 27, 2020: W 65-60 at Riverside
January 25, 2020: W 65-53 at Santa Barbara
February 14, 2019: L 71-57 at Riverside
January 12, 2019: W 72-64 at Santa Barbara
January 27, 2018: W 76-69 at Riverside
January 6, 2018: W 65-57 at Santa Barbara 

The Arena
The Thunderdome
Capacity: 5,000
The DCI will be making his first appearance at the Campus Events Center since the 2019-20 season.  Moderate rain is expected in soggy Santa Barbara.

Head Coach
Mike Magpayo
overall/UC Riverside: 41-25 (.621)
Magpayo was named interim head coach for the 2020-21 season, then was promoted to full-time head coach on May 21, 2021.  After leading the Highlanders to a 14-8 record in his first season, Magpayo signed a five year extension.  He is the first Division I men's basketball coach with full Asian heritage.  Magpayo has also found tremendous success off the court, both as the CEO of a multi-million dollar real estate firm in Southern California for seven years and as the founder and president of the Asian Coaches Association.  He graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in business economics in 2001.

UC Riverside Roster
Zyon Pullin #5 SR G, 6-4 195, Pleasant Hill, CA -- 19.6 Pts, 4.5 Reb, 4.1 Ast
Flynn Cameron #11 SR G, 6-3 210, Auckland, New Zealand -- 10.5 Pts, 5.5 Reb, 3.3 Ast
Lachlan Olbrich #30 FR F, 6-10, Adelaide, Australia -- 10.1 Pts, 5.9 Reb, 1.6 Ast
Kyle Owens #0 SR F, 6-8 205, Calabasas, CA -- 9.2 Pts, 4.8 Reb, 0.9 Ast
Jamal Hartwell II #4 SR G, 5-10, Inglewood, CA -- 8.0 Pts, 0.9 Reb, 1.1 Ast
Wil Tattersall #14 JR G, 6-7 198, Melbourne, Australia -- 5.4 Pts, 3.6 Reb, 1.8 Ast
Vladimer Salaridze #13 SO F, 6-7, Tblisi, Georgia -- 4.3 Pts, 2.5 Reb, 0.6 Ast
Jhaylon Martinez #12 SO C, 6-11 260, Vallejo, CA -- 4.2 Pts, 4.6 Reb, 0.4 Ast
Luke Turner #22 SO F, 6-7, Temecula, CA -- 3.6 Pts, 2.5 Reb, 0.6 Ast
Nate Pickens #1 FR G, 6-4, El Mirage, AZ -- 1.9 Pts, 0.8 Reb, 0.3 Ast
Anthony Bell #25 JR G, 6-1, Chino Hills, CA -- 0.0 Pts, 0.0 Reb, 0.0 Ast
Kobe Jerome #3 FR G, 6-4 190, New Rochelle, NY -- 0.0 Pts, 1.0 Reb, 0.0 Ast
Niyi Olabode #10 SO F, 6-5 205, Orinda, CA -- 0.0 Pts, 1.3 Reb, 0.3 Ast

UCSB Roster
Ajay Mitchell #13 SO G, 6-4 180, Sainte Marie Namur (Belgium) -- 15.9 Pts, 2.9 Reb, 4.5 Ast
Miles Norris #5 SR F, 6-10 220, San Diego, CA -- 13.0 Pts, 6.3 Reb, 1.5 Ast
Josh Pierre-Louis #1 SR G, 6-4 185, Plainfield, NJ -- 10.3 Pts, 3.8 Reb, 2.4 Ast
Andre Kelly #2 SR F, 6-8 255, Stockton, CA -- 8.7 Pts, 6.5 Reb, 1.0 Ast
Calvin Wishart #10 SR G, 6-1 180, Delano, MN -- 7.0 Pts, 2.9 Reb, 2.6 Ast
Ajare Sanni #3 SR G, 6-3 170, Houston, TX -- 7.3 Pts, 2.7 Reb, 1.0 Ast
Cole Anderson #4 SO G, 6-4 185, Fresno, CA -- 5.8 Pts, 1.3 Reb, 0.8 Ast
Koat Keat Tong #00 FR F, 6-9 215, Bentiu, South Sudan -- 1.6 Pts, 3.4 Reb, 0.3 Ast
Jakov Kukic #14 JR F, 6-10 230, Split, Croatia -- 1.8 Pts, 2.6 Reb, 0.1 Ast
Matija Belic #32 FR G, 6-7 205, Belgrade, Serbia -- 0.4 Pts, 0.8 Reb, 0.1 Ast
Evans Kipruto #12 JR F, 6-8 250, Nairobi, Kenya -- 0.8 Pts, 1.2 Reb, 0.0 Ast
Gage Gomez #50 JR G, 6-3 190, Arroyo Grande, CA -- 0.7 Pts, 0.0 Reb, 0.7 Ast
David Pickles #40 SO F, 6-10 235, Seattle, WA -- 1.0 Pts, 1.0 Reb, 0.0 Ast
Ariel Bland #23 SO F, 6-7 215, Eden Prairie, MN -- 0.0 Pts, 1.5 Reb, 0.0 Ast
Henry Hartwell #51 FR G, 6-5 180, Oceanside, CA -- 0.0 Pts, 0.5 Reb, 0.0 Ast
Max Sheldon #53 SO G, 5-11 180, Santa Barbara, CA -- 0.0 Pts, 0.0 Reb, 0.0 Ast
 
UC Riverside National Ranking Outliers
Team

• Blocks per game: 341 (1.7)
• Fastbreak Points: 315 (6.29)
• Free Throw Attempts per game: 308 (15.1)
• Free Throws made per game: 300 (10.6)
• Rebound Margin: 33 (+6.0)
• Rebounds (Defensive) per game: 61 (27.24)
• Rebounds per game: 56 (38.41)
• Steals per game: 338 (4.7)
• Turnover Margin: 278 (-1.2)
• Turnovers Forced per game: 286 (11.71)

Players

• Zyon Pullin -- Assist/Turnover ratio: 233 (1.54), Assists: 241 (57), Assists per game: 132 (4.1), Field Goal Attempts: 223 (196), Field Goal percentage: 79 (.526), Field Goals: 87 (103), Free Throw Attempts: 204 (72), Free Throw percentage: 289 (.750), Free Throws: 197 (54), Minutes per game: 73 (34:42), Points: 140 (274), Points per game: 30 (19.6)
• Flynn Cameron -- Assist/Turnover ratio: 270 (1.40), Assists: 259 (56), Assists per game: 281 (3.3), Rebounds (Defensive) per game: 236 (4.65), Steals: 285 (23), Steals per game: 335 (1.35), Three Point Attempts: 210 (96), Three Pointers per game: 200 (2.18), Three Point Field Goals: 179 (37)
• Kyle Owens -- Double Doubles: 209 (2)
• Lachlan Olbrich -- Rebounds: 324 (100), Rebounds (Offensive) per game: 115 (2.59)

UCSB National Ranking Outliers
Team

• Bench Points per game: 291 (15.73)
• Effective FG percentage: 70 (.536)
• Field Goal percentage: 23 (.486)
• Rebound Margin: 40 (+5.8)
• Scoring Defense: 29 (62.3)
• Three Point Attempts per game: 346 (15.5)
• Three Pointers per game: 328 (5.4)
• Winning percentage: 14 (.867)

Players

• Ajay Mitchell -- Assist/Turnover ratio: 152 (1.84), Assists: 135 (68), Assists per game: 81 (4.5), Field Goal percentage: 101 (.503), Free Throw attempts: 170 (76), Free Throw percentage: 72 (.855), Free Throws: 96 (65), Minutes per game: 280 (32:05), Points: 292 (239), Points per game: 170 (15.9), Steals: 133 (28), Steals per game: 88 (1.87)
• Andre Kelly -- Blocks: 248 (15), Blocks per game: 205 (1.00), Double Doubles: 209 (2), Rebounds (defensive) per game: 166 (5.07), Rebounds per game: 251 (6.5)
• Miles Norris -- Blocks: 283 (14), Blocks per game: 261 (0.93), Double Doubles: 209 (2), Minutes per game: 278 (32:06), Rebounds (offensive) per game: 221 (2.20), Rebounds per game: 287 (6.3)
• Josh Pierre-Louis -- Steals: 213 (25), Steals per game: 104 (1.79)

Prediction
Obviously, Riverside is a lot stronger with Pullin in the lineup.  However, if he were to play he might not be able to play his normal type of "take-over-the-game" game.  UCR likes to spread the floor and play through their big men in the high post, but the Highlanders are not as strong inside as we've become accustomed to.  I'm predicting an Andre Kelly breakout.  UCSB 70, UC Riverside 61

Official Site:  https://gohighlanders.com/sports/mens-basketball
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UCSB vs. UCR Men's Basketball Game Preview, by Gaucho Freg

UCSB @ UCR, Friday, Feb 26 @ 8pm (ESPN); Saturday, Feb 27 @ 7pm
 
The red-hot Gauchos, owners of a school record 12 game win streak, head to the inland empire for what may be their most difficult conference games of the year as the Highlanders have one of the best front courts in the west coast.  Earlier in the season, the Gaucho front court, in particular Amadou Sow, really struggled.  That has long been put behind him but at the same time the Gauchos have not played a team with a formidable front court since their two game sweep at the hands of Irvine.  UCR has shooters too, leading the conference in both 3 point makes and percentage (39%).   They are in 3rd place at 5-3, 10-6 overall and are coming off a surprising loss to UCSD.  In out-of-conference games they dismantled Washington by 15 and took USC to OT before losing by 5.
 
While the Gauchos swept the series last year, in the last game between the two teams, UCR dominated in the paint and it was a blistering performance from behind the arc by McLaughlin and Ramsey (a combined 7/8) that secured a Gaucho victory.  The Gauchos hold a commanding 37-10 advantage in the series between the schools.  Riverside is coached by Mike Magpayo who got his degree from UCSB and is the first Asian American D1 men’s coach in the sport.  
 
Roster 
UCR has a terrific frontcourt with PF Arinze Chidom and Center Jock Perry, a 7’1” transfer from St. Mary’s.  It could have been even more dominant if last year’s starting center, Callum McRae, had decided not to wait out the pandemic back in his home in New Zealand.  Sophomore PG Zyon Pullin has been terrific and is an all-conference 1st or 2nd team candidate. The Highlanders have rolled out the same starting line up every game this season.  Two of their five starters and three of the main four guys off the bench are from either Australia or New Zealand.  Welcome to St. Mary’s south.  

Probable Starters
Guard Zyon Pullin  #5  6’4”, 190 lb. Sophomore  11.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.3 apg, 2.4 ATO, 31 mpg, 43% from deep
Zyon has had a breakout sophomore campaign, nearly tripling his scoring average and providing a steady hand at point.  He’s a bit B-Shawesque with his good size for a point guard and his rebounding abilities. 
Guard Dominic Pickett  #22  6’3”, 210 lb. RS Junior 8.3 ppg, 45% from deep, 2.9 apg, 3.9 ATO, 30 mpg  
The former walk-on provides another good ball handler and can light it up from deep.
Guard Flynn Cameron  #11  6’5”, 210 lb. Junior 8.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg 34% from deep, 28 mpg 
Team’s leading rebounder.  From New Zealand and started his college career at DePaul, he was a teammate of Brandon Cyrus his freshman year as a Blue Demon but did not play.
Forward Arinze Chidom   #1  6’9”, 240 lb RS Senior  13.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 39% three point shooter. 25 mpg Leads team in scoring, blocks and in getting to the line, 2.4 attempts per game but makes just 56% from the stripe.  Is prone to turning the ball over, 2.5 per game.  Started his college career at Washington St.  Had a terrific game against UCSB his last time out.
Center Jock Perry  #25  7’1”, 250 lb, RS Senior 11.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg  26 mpg, 42% from deep.
An Aussie, transfer from St. Mary’s.  He’s had some big games vs. Washington, UCI and USC but was quiet in their last two vs. UCSD.  He is a stretch 5, not afraid to shoot the three and has taken as many as 7 in a game this year.
 
Key Reserves
Wing Wil Tattersall   #14  6’7”, 210 lb Freshman 7.8 ppg, 22 mpg, 45% from deep.
From Australia, Wil is the Highlander’s leading three point threat, nearly all his attempts come from behind the arc. 
Guard George Willborn  #35  6’3”, 195 lb. 4.9 ppg, 13 mpg.  Went 4/5 from deep in the Highlanders loss to UCSD
Forward Oliver Hayes-Brown  #10  6’10”, 245 lb, RS Freshman, 3.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg  12 mpg.
Another Aussie.
Center Angus McWilliam  #23  6’10”, 240 lb, RS Junior 13 mpg
Another Kiwi, started his college career at TCU..
 
Matchups to watch:   Amadou and Idehen have not had to chase a center out to the paint much this season and Perry/Chidom will force them to do so. If I am Pasternack, I would consider having Norris guard Jock Perry and match up Sow with the powerful Chidom.  Keeping their guards from crashing the boards when our front court players are out chasing on the perimeter also key.  We may see more Kukic this game to handle the Highlanders size.
 
The Gauchos are playing at such a high level right now that even in this series, which most of us have projected, along with the UCI series, to be the most difficult in conference play, its hard to pick against the Gauchos. I predict a split is most likely but a sweep of the Highlanders would not surprise.   

UCR vs. UCSB Men's Basketball Game Preview, by Gaucho Dan

(6) UC Riverside vs. (3) UCSB
Thursday, March 12, 2020, 2:30 pm PDT, ESPN3
  
Quick Bites
The Gauchos enter the fan-less Big West Tournament having won five of their last six games, but it feels as if they are staggering into the event. UC Riverside is having one of its best seasons at the Division I level, which isn't saying much...but it's enough to give UCSB pause. Both games with the Highlanders were struggles, and Santa Barbara feels fortunate to have come out on top in both affairs. The Big West banned fan entry for the Tournament...guess I'll go to Disneyland instead.

By the Numbers

	UC Riverside	UC Santa Barbara
Record	17-15	21-10
Away/Home/Neutral (D1)	0-0 (N)	0-0 (N)
Big West Conference	7-9	10-6
Record vs. Quadrant	vs. Q3: 4-6	vs. Q4: 15-3
Composite (NET, kpi, sor, bpi, pom, sag)	231	166
DCI	230	163
DC2	212	162
RPI	274	165
NET	212	177
SOS (NET)	347	306
KPom Offensive Efficiency	295	106
KPom Defensive Efficiency	117	241
KPom Tempo	346	335
Points per game (overall/BWC)	64.3 (324th) / 63.0 (9th)	70.8 (187th) / 67.4 (6th)
FG% (overall/BWC)	43.6% (183rd) / 43.4% (6th)	45.8% (69th) / 44.1% (4th)
2-pt FG% (overall/BWC)	49.7% (182nd) / 48.7% (5th)	52.0% (96th) / 49.1% (3rd)
3-pt FG% (overall/BWC)	35.2% (79th) / 35.5% (4th)	34.2% (127th) / 35.0% (7th)
FT% (overall/BWC)	68.9% (248th) / 70.1% (6th)	75.6% (35th) / 75.8% (2nd)
Points allowed per game (overall/BWC)	60.6 (9th) / 61.8 (1st)	66.3 (87th) / 64.9 (3rd)
FG% allowed (overall/BWC)	40.4% (51st) / 41.7% (2nd)	44.9% (275th) / 45.4% (7th)
2-pt FG% allowed (overall/BWC)	43.0% (7th) / 42.6% (2nd)	50.4% (235th) / 51.3% (8th)
3-pt FG% allowed (overall/BWC)	35.2% (298th) / 39.6% (9th)	35.0% (289th) / 34.1% (2nd)
Off. rebounds per game (overall/BWC)	8.8 (248th) / 8.0 (8th)	10.3 (154th) / 9.4 (3rd)
Def. rebounds allowed per game (overall/BWC)	23.0 (76th) / 23.1 (3rd)	21.6 (13th) / 22.1 (2nd)
Off. rebounds allowed per game (overall/BWC)	7.3 (10th) / 7.3 (1st)	8.0 (23rd) / 8.0 (2nd)
Def. rebounds per game (overall/BWC)	27.0 (49th) / 25.9 (2nd)	24.0 (284th) / 22.7 (9th)
Rebounds per game (overall/BWC)	35.8 (122nd) / 33.9 (3rd)	34.2 (243rd) / 32.1 (8th)
Rebounds allowed per game (overall/BWC)	30.3 (29th) / 30.4 (3rd)	29.6 (7th) / 30.1 (2nd)
Assists per game (overall/BWC)	10.7 (59th) / 10.9 (3rd)	11.4 (79th) / 11.3 (4th)
Steals per game (overall/BWC)	5.6 (94th) / 5.2 (5th)	4.5 (7th) / 4.2 (1st)
Blocks per game (overall/BWC)	2.7 (72nd) / 2.8 (5th)	2.5 (28th) / 2.4 (2nd)
Best wins (NET, Quadrant)	@ Fresno State (162, Q3) @ Nebraska (196, Q3) @ Hawai'i (216, Q3) @ UC Davis (217, Q3)	@ UT Arlington (130, Q2) UC Irvine (113, Q3) @ UC Riverside (212, Q3) @ Louisiana (230, Q3)
Worst losses (NET, Quadrant)	@ Long Beach St (304, Q4) @ CS Fullerton (262, Q4) CSUN (232, Q4)	Long Beach St (304, Q4) CSUN (232, Q4) Rice (215, Q4)
Trend	won 2 in a row, won 3 of 4	won 2 in a row, won 5 of 6

UCSB-UC Riverside History
UCSB and UC Riverside have played 47 times in a series that began in 1955. The Gauchos hold an all-time edge of 36-10, including a 65-63 win on Jan. 25 when Max Heidegger made a three-pointer with 2.8 seconds to play and a 65-60 victory on Feb. 27 when Heidegger went down with a severe ankle injury. The two schools have only played each other once in the Big West Tournament: in 2006, UCSB destroyed UC Riverside 76-44 in a 5/8 1st-round matchup in the stepladder era. UC Riverside is 3-13 overall in the BWT, while UCSB is 24-32.

UC Riverside Roster
Probable Starters
Arinze Chidom (1)
JR, F, 6-9, 240, Oakland, CA, Bishop O'Dowd HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	24.8	5.6	.502	3.0	.422	2.9	.692	1.7	6.6	1.4	0.8	0.5	2.4	3.3	11.8
Last 5 games	26.4	6.2	.623	3.0	.458	3.8	.719	1.6	6.0	1.2	1.0	0.4	2.8	3.8	14.4
vs. UCSB	31.0	5.5	.617	4.0	.367	2.0	.250	1.0	5.5	1.0	1.0	0.5	3.5	3.5	12.5
Last game	31	10	.800	3	.333	8	.875	2	5	2	0	0	0	3	26

Khyber Kabellis (13)
SR, G, 6-4, 185, Escondido, CA, Escondido HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	24.2	3.3	.370	2.8	.229	1.2	.683	0.2	3.3	3.2	0.9	0.2	1.5	1.4	5.8
Last 5 games	28.2	2.2	.036	2.8	.417	0.8	1.000	0.2	2.6	2.6	0.6	0.8	0.8	1.8	4.2
vs. UCSB	29.5	2.5	.375	4.5	.225	0.5	.000	0.0	4.0	2.5	0.0	0.0	1.0	2.5	6.0
Last game	34	0	.000	6	.333	0	.000	0	3	5	1	2	2	3	6

Callum McRae (25)
SO, C, 7-1, 275, Palmerston North, New Zealand, Palmerston North Boys HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	23.8	7.5	.559	0.0	.000	2.0	.686	1.7	6.2	1.4	0.3	1.0	2.2	1.9	9.6
Last 5 games	27.4	8.4	.532	0.0	.000	2.8	.750	1.0	6.8	1.4	0.2	1.6	2.4	2.6	10.8
vs. UCSB	23.0	7.5	.695	0.0	.000	2.0	.250	2.0	4.0	2.0	0.0	1.5	2.0	2.0	12.0
Last game	21	6	.333	0	.000	0	.000	1	5	1	0	1	3	0	4

Dominick Pickett (22) 
JR, G, 6-3, 210, Moreno Valley, CA, Rancho Verde HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	26.5	2.3	.473	3.4	.402	1.3	.884	0.2	2.6	1.5	0.7	0.0	0.7	1.6	7.7
Last 5 games	28.0	3.6	.341	3.8	.333	0.8	1.000	0.2	3.2	1.2	0.8	0.0	0.8	1.8	6.2
vs. UCSB	26.5	2.0	.125	6.0	.200	0.0	.000	0.0	1.0	0.5	1.0	0.0	0.5	1.5	4.0
Last game	31	2	.500	3	.667	0	.000	0	3	3	0	0	1	3	8

Dikymbe Martin (15)
SR, G, 6-1, 170, Riverside, CA, John W. North HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	20.8	2.1	.393	4.5	.406	1.4	.738	0.2	1.6	1.3	0.7	0.1	0.7	1.0	8.1
Last 5 games	23.0	3.2	.250	4.2	.409	2.8	.679	0.4	2.2	0.8	1.0	0.2	0.6	0.8	9.2
vs. UCSB	26.5	2.0	.500	4.0	.643	5.0	.524	0.0	2.5	1.5	1.5	0.0	0.5	0.0	10.5
Last game	35	3	.333	11	.545	1	.000	0	4	3	2	1	1	1	20

Key Reserves
Angus McWilliam (23) 
SO, F, 6-10, 240, Christchurch, New Zealand, Middleton Grange HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	17.7	3.6	.580	1.1	.283	1.9	.738	1.8	4.5	0.2	0.2	0.4	1.2	2.8	6.3
Last 5 games	15.4	2.4	.567	0.0	.000	2.0	.792	1.8	4.4	0.0	0.2	0.4	1.4	2.8	4.0
vs. UCSB	17.5	2.0	.750	0.0	.000	4.0	.750	2.0	4.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.5	3.0	6.0
Last game	14	1	1.000	0	.000	0	.000	0	3	0	0	1	2	2	2

George Willborn III (35) 
JR, G, 6-3, 195, Chicago, IL, De La Salle Institute

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	21.6	4.5	.473	1.5	.287	2.2	.380	1.2	4.3	0.8	0.9	0.3	1.9	2.4	6.5
Last 5 games	21.6	3.2	.487	1.6	.200	3.4	.288	1.2	3.2	0.4	0.4	0.4	1.0	2.0	5.8
vs. UCSB	25.0	3.0	.667	2.0	.000	6.0	.500	1.0	2.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	1.0	4.0	7.0
Last game	13	1	.000	0	.000	2	.000	0	2	0	0	0	0	1	0

Zyon Pullin (5) 
FR, G, 6-4, 195, Pleasant Hill, CA, College Park HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	17.6	2.3	.376	1.6	.292	1.3	.670	0.2	2.1	1.8	0.3	0.1	1.4	1.3	4.1
Last 5 games	15.2	2.0	.100	0.8	.250	0.8	.750	0.0	1.6	1.6	0.6	0.2	1.0	1.8	2.0
vs. UCSB	11.5	1.5	.500	0.5	.500	1.5	1.000	0.0	1.5	0.5	0.0	0.0	1.0	2.5	4.0
Last game	11	1	.000	0	.000	0	.000	0	2	1	0	0	1	1	0

DJ McDonald (3) 
SO, G, 5-11, 175, Sylmar, CA, Bishop Alemany HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	14.0	0.3	.417	2.9	.322	0.7	.850	0.0	0.6	0.6	0.4	0.0	0.4	1.0	4.0
Last 5 games	10.0	0.0	.000	1.6	.167	0.0	.000	0.0	0.4	0.6	0.4	0.0	0.4	0.6	1.2
vs. UCSB	9.5	0.0	.000	1.0	.250	0.0	.000	0.0	0.5	0.0	0.5	0.0	0.0	0.5	1.5
Last game	8	0	.000	1	.000	0	.000	0	2	1	0	0	1	0	0

Dragon Elkaz (0) 
SO, G, 6-5, 205, Green Valley, Australia, Westfield Sports HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	15.2	0.3	.563	3.7	.325	0.3	.800	0.1	1.2	0.4	0.2	0.0	0.5	1.0	4.7
Last 5 games	6.6	0.2	1.000	0.8	.167	0.0	.000	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.2	0.2	0.6	0.0	1.0
vs. UCSB	8.5	0.0	.000	1.0	.250	0.0	.000	0.0	1.5	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0	1.0	1.5
Last game	2	0	.000	0	.000	0	.000	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0

UC Santa Barbara Roster
Probable Starters
Amadou Sow (12)
SO, F, 6-9, 235, Bamako, Mali, Prolific Prep Academy

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	26.8	8.5	.579	1.4	.310	3.7	.689	2.3	7.0	0.8	0.7	1.1	2.5	2.7	14.1
Last 5 games	28.0	9.0	.503	1.0	.000	3.8	.825	2.0	6.0	0.8	0.6	1.4	2.2	2.4	11.6
vs. UC-Riverside	29.5	9.5	.434	1.5	.500	2.0	.750	1.0	5.5	1.5	1.5	0.5	3.5	2.0	11.0
Last game	23	9	.556	1	.000	8	.500	3	7	1	1	0	3	2	14

Jaquori McLaughlin (3)
JR, G, 6-4, 190, Tacoma, WA, Peninsula HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	34.2	5.6	.470	3.6	.396	4.6	.780	0.3	3.3	4.1	1.0	0.2	1.9	2.3	13.3
Last 5 games	37.6	4.4	.220	4.0	.550	5.0	.734	0.4	2.8	6.2	1.0	0.2	2.4	2.0	12.2
vs. UC-Riverside	36.5	7.5	.222	2.5	.500	7.0	.385	0.0	2.5	5.0	0.0	0.5	1.0	1.5	15.0
Last game	40	5	.600	6	.500	2	1.000	1	2	6	3	0	3	2	17

Matt Freeman (2)
SR, F, 6-10, 220, Auckland, New Zealand, Westlake Boys HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	25.5	3.5	.440	4.1	.407	1.7	.848	0.6	4.2	1.9	0.3	0.1	1.6	2.1	9.5
Last 5 games	27.0	3.4	.400	3.8	.227	1.8	.889	0.4	4.8	1.6	0.2	0.0	2.0	1.2	7.4
vs. UC-Riverside	30.0	2.5	.500	3.5	.200	1.5	.334	0.5	3.5	2.5	0.0	0.0	1.5	0.5	7.0
Last game	31	3	.333	5	.400	0	.000	1	4	3	0	0	1	0	8

Devearl Ramsey (4)
JR, G, 6-0, 185, Los Angeles, CA, Sierra Canyon HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	33.3	3.8	.444	3.1	.265	2.5	.843	0.4	3.8	2.5	0.9	0.0	2.0	2.2	8.3
Last 5 games	34.8	3.6	.406	4.2	.477	3.4	.958	0.2	3.0	2.2	0.8	0.0	2.2	2.8	10.8
vs. UC-Riverside	33.0	3.0	.250	2.5	.375	3.0	1.000	0.0	2.5	0.5	0.0	0.0	2.0	2.5	10.5
Last game	40	6	.000	5	.200	4	1.000	1	3	4	2	0	3	3	7

Brandon Cyrus (11)
SR, G, 6-5, 190, Oakville, Canada, La Lumiere School

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	26.0	4.0	.452	2.0	.152	1.6	.654	1.7	3.9	1.4	0.8	0.1	0.8	2.2	6.0
Last 5 games	31.6	4.4	.367	2.8	.150	2.2	.563	2.4	7.0	1.8	1.4	0.2	1.0	1.8	7.0
vs. UC-Riverside	26.5	4.5	.584	1.0	.000	2.0	.750	2.0	7.0	2.0	1.0	0.5	0.5	2.5	6.5
Last game	35	5	.600	4	.250	4	1.000	3	7	2	0	0	1	3	13

Key Reserves
Robinson Idehen (35)
JR, F, 6-10, 230, Tudela, Spain, Modesto Christian HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	14.7	3.4	.717	0.0	.000	2.3	.481	1.8	4.2	0.4	0.4	0.7	0.9	2.3	5.8
Last 5 games	16.6	5.4	.705	0.0	.000	2.6	.639	2.0	4.8	0.4	0.8	0.4	0.6	3.2	9.2
vs. UC-Riverside	13.0	3.5	.750	0.0	.000	1.0	.500	1.5	3.0	0.0	0.5	0.0	1.0	3.5	5.5
Last game	16	3	1.000	0	.000	1	.000	0	2	1	0	0	0	0	6

Sekou Toure (0)
SO, G, 6-5, 185, Conarky, Guinea, Prolific Prep Academy

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	13.2	2.3	.459	0.5	.100	0.9	.633	1.4	2.6	0.5	0.3	0.0	0.7	1.4	3.1
Last 5 games	8.8	2.0	.333	0.2	.000	0.6	.250	1.6	3.0	0.6	0.0	0.0	0.6	1.0	1.4
vs. UC-Riverside	9.0	1.0	.250	0.5	.000	1.0	.250	1.0	2.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	2.0	1.5
Last game	11	4	.500	0	.000	1	.000	4	6	1	0	0	0	1	4

Jay Nagle (5) 
SO, F, 6-8, 215, Vacavile, CA, Will C. Wood HS

	MP	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Season	9.8	0.5	.426	1.4	.379	0.2	.667	0.1	1.1	0.5	0.2	0.2	0.3	0.6	1.9
Last 5 games	6.2	0.6	.333	0.4	.000	0.0	.000	0.2	0.4	0.2	0.0	0.2	0.2	0.6	0.4
vs. UC-Riverside	5.0	0.0	.000	0.0	.000	0.0	.000	0.5	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.5	0.0	0.0	0.0
Last game	4	0	.000	1	.000	0	.000	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0

UCSB vs. UCR Men's Basketball Game Preview, by Gaucho Dan

UCSB at UC Riverside
Thursday, February 27, 2020, 7 pm PST, ESPN3
 
Quick Bites
UCSB took care of business last week, going 2-0...capped by getting revenge on an under-sized but physical UC Davis squad. When the dust had settled, the Gauchos had scrambled up to 2nd place in the conference and was the only team remaining that had any chance to catch UC Irvine. While that is unlikely (UCI's magic number is 1 to grab the #1 seed), UCSB will most likely secure the #2 seed by going 3-1 down the stretch (for sure if CSUN doesn't win out). UC Riverside's once-promising season has devolved into a familiar story...fighting to not be the one team left out of the Big West Tournament. The Highlanders took a big step toward a berth by completing a season sweep of 9th-place Cal Poly, holding the Mustangs to 28.8% shooting. Riverside has made a league-best 236 threes. UC Riverside ranks No. 11 nationally in scoring defense, allowing opponents just 61.0 points per game, and ranks 5th in the nation in steals.

By the Numbers

	UC Santa Barbara	UC Riverside
Record	18-9	15-14
Away/Home/Neutral (D1)	7-6 (A)	7-4 (H)
Big West Conference	7-5	5-8
Record vs. Quadrant	vs. Q3: 2-3	vs. Q4: 9-6
Composite (NET, kpi, sor, bpi, pom, sag)	165	233
DCI	144	254
DC2	155	218
RPI	189	288
NET	171	216
SOS (NET)	328	350
KPom Offensive Efficiency	70	286
KPom Defensive Efficiency	259	135
KPom Tempo	335	345
Points per game (overall/BWC)	72.1 (148th) / 69.3 (6th)	65.0 (318th) / 64.1 (9th)
FG% (overall/BWC)	47.0% (30th) / 46.4% (4th)	43.7% (181st) / 43.5% (6th)
2-pt FG% (overall/BWC)	54.0% (33rd) / 52.9% (1st)	49.8% (183rd) / 48.5% (5th)
3-pt FG% (overall/BWC)	34.1% (142nd) / 35.1% (7th)	35.4% (72nd) / 36.2% (5th)
FT% (overall/BWC)	75.8% (34th) / 76.4% (2nd)	69.3% (229th) / 71.2% (5th)
Points allowed per game (overall/BWC)	66.9 (110th) / 65.8 (3rd)	61.0 (11th) / 63.1 (2nd)
FG% allowed (overall/BWC)	45.2% (293rd) / 46.3% (8th)	40.9% (72nd) / 43.0% (2nd)
2-pt FG% allowed (overall/BWC)	50.3% (232nd) / 51.5% (8th)	43.7% (20th) / 44.1% (2nd)
3-pt FG% allowed (overall/BWC)	35.7% (309th) / 35.6% (3rd)	35.0% (287th) / 40.4% (9th)
Off. rebounds per game (overall/BWC)	10.1 (188th) / 8.8 (4th)	8.9 (229th) / 8.2 (4th)
Def. rebounds allowed per game (overall/BWC)	21.4 (6th) / 21.7 (1st)	23.1 (118th) / 23.5 (3rd)
Off. rebounds allowed per game (overall/BWC)	7.9 (19th) / 7.8 (2nd)	7.2 (16th) / 7.2 (2nd)
Def. rebounds per game (overall/BWC)	24.1 (296th) / 22.5 (9th)	27.2 (26th) / 26.2 (2nd)
Rebounds per game (overall/BWC)	34.2 (260th) / 31.3 (9th)	36.1 (79th) / 34.3 (2nd)
Rebounds allowed per game (overall/BWC)	29.2 (4th) / 29.4 (1st)	30.3 (48th) / 30.7 (3rd)
Assists per game (overall/BWC)	11.5 (74th) / 11.5 (3rd)	10.7 (74th) / 11.0 (4th)
Steals per game (overall/BWC)	4.4 (5th) / 3.7 (1st)	5.6 (113th) / 5.2 (5th)
Blocks per game (overall/BWC)	2.3 (11th) / 2.0 (2nd)	2.8 (104th) / 3.0 (6th)
Best wins (NET, Quadrant)	@ UT Arlington (129, Q2) UC Irvine (105, Q3) @ Louisiana (235, Q3)	@ Fresno State (162, Q3) @ Nebraska (186, Q3) @ UC Davis (205, Q3)
Worst losses (NET, Quadrant)	Long Beach St (290, Q4) CSUN (249, Q4) @ CSUN (249, Q4) Rice (218, Q4)	@ Long Beach St (290, Q4) @ CS Fullerton (264, Q4) @ CSUN (249, Q4) CSUN (249, Q4) Northern Arizona (215, Q4) Hawai'i (211, Q4)
Trend	won 2 straight, 5 of 6	Sat win ended 5-game skid

UCSB - UC Riverside History
UCSB and UC Riverside have played 46 times in a series that began in 1955. The Gauchos hold an all-time edge of 46-10, including a 65-63 win on Jan. 25 when Max Heidegger made a three-pointer with 2.8 seconds to play. The teams split a pair of games last season with the Highlanders winning 71-57 in Riverside..

Head Coach
David Patrick became the Head Men's Basketball Coach at UC Riverside in March of 2018 following successful assistant coaching stints at TCU and LSU. He enters his second season following an inaugural campaign (2018-19) which saw the Highlanders break several program records including 279 three-point shots culminating in a .379 three-point shooting percentage which was the best in the Big West Conference and top 30 (28th) in the nation.

Patrick, born in Bermuda and raised in Melbourne, Australia native, is credited with recruiting Ben Simmons (who would go on to become the number one overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft) to LSU. He also coached NBA champions and Australian National Team guards Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova during their collegiate careers at Saint Mary's.

He played one season at Syracuse, with his team reaching the 1996 NCAA Championship game, and then was a point guard at Louisiana-Lafayette from 1997-2000. He also played four years professionally in Australia, England and Spain and spent one year on the staff at Nicholls State.

Roster
Probable Starters

• Arinze Chidom (1) JR, F, 6-9, 240, Oakland, CA, Bishop O'Dowd HS, 10.9 Pts, 6.6 Reb, 1.4 Ast -- became eligible in December after leaving the Washington State team a year prior. Excellent 3-point shooter (.444, 3.2 attempts per game). Has been piling up fouls, fouling out twice in last 3 games and averaging 4.4 per game over last 5. Has recently been called for 3 charges in a single game twice, explaining why he is averaging 4.7 turnovers per game over last 3 games. Topped double digits in rebounds 4 times this season (high of 11). Has 4 double-doubles. Had 13 points and 6 rebounds at UCSB, but also had 5 turnovers.
• Khyber Kabellis (13) SR, G, 6-4, 185, Escondido, CA, Escondido HS, 6.0 Pts, 3.3 Reb, 3.2 Ast -- played two years at North Dakota State and one year at Pacific before graduate-transferring to UCR. Was mired in a 3-point shooting slump earlier in the season, but is 8-of-22 from 3 in February (.364). Ranks 8th in conference in assists, and assist/turnover ratio ranks 4th (2.14). Scored 9 points and handed out 2 assists at UCSB.
• Callum McRae (25) SO, C, 7-1, 275, Palmerston North, New Zealand, Palmerston North Boys HS, 9.4 Pts, 6.1 Reb, 1.4 Ast -- one of only six 7-footers in the conference. Topped double digits in rebounds 4 times this season (high of 11). Has 3 double-doubles this year and 7 in his career. Ranks 4th in conference in rebounding, 2nd in FG% (.529) behind Sow and 4th in blocked shots (1.03 per game). Player of week Nov. 25 after making 15-of-17 shots vs. Redlands and Denver. Had just 6 points and 2 rebounds in only 16 minutes at UCSB.
• Dominick Pickett (22) JR, G, 6-3, 210, Moreno Valley, CA, Rancho Verde HS, 8.0 Pts, 2.7 Reb, 1.5 Ast -- Ranks 2nd in conference in 3-point shooting % (.474, 3.3 attempts per game). Held to 6 points (2-of-5 from 3), no rebounds and no assists at UCSB. Played just 20 minutes at Cal Poly, scoring 5 points.
• George Willborn III (35) JR, G, 6-3, 195, Chicago, IL, De La Salle Institute, 6.9 Pts, 4.6 Reb, 0.9 Ast -- transfer from UTSA. Was out with a shoulder injury the last time UCR played UCSB. Has 2 double-doubles. Player of week Nov. 11 after scoring 13 points and grabbing 18 rebounds at Nebraska. Has just 16 rebounds in last 7 games (126 minutes). Starter for 1st time since Jan. 18 last Saturday at Cal Poly, playing 31 minutes and scoring a season-high 17 points...including 3-of-5 from 3-point line.

Reserves

• Dikymbe Martin (15) SR, G, 6-1, 170, Riverside, CA, John W. North HS, 7.6 Pts, 1.5 Reb, 1.3 Ast -- has a history of suspensions and missed four games at the start of this season. Started 8 straight games, but team went 2-6 and his playing time has decreased...in 4 of last 5 games he has failed to log 20 minutes. Still a dangerous 3-point shooter (.373, 4.4 attempts per game), ranking 9th in conference in 3FG's made. Averaging just 5.8 ppg in last 6 games. 3rd in career points (1269) among active players (Heidegger is 2nd at 1303), 6th in career assists (264) and 4th in career steals (110). Named to preseason all-league team.
• Angus McWilliam (23) SO, F, 6-10, 240, Christchurch, New Zealand, Middleton Grange HS, 6.6 Pts, 4.5 Reb, 0.2 Ast -- ranks 6th in conference in offensive rebounds (1.82 per game). Averages 18 minutes per game. Scored 7 points with 4 rebounds in 24 minutes at UCSB. Averages 6.2 fouls per 40 minutes. Has hit just 8 of last 23 shots from inside perimeter. Played a season-low 9 minutes at Cal Poly.
• Dragon Elkaz (0) SO, G, 6-5, 205, Green Valley, Australia, Westfield Sports HS, 5.0 Pts, 1.3 Reb, 0.4 Ast -- Played just 9.3 minutes per game in last 3 games. Averaging 2.5 ppg in last 8. Scored 3 points (1-of-2 from 3) in 14 minutes at UCSB. Takes an astounding 92% of his shots from three (.373, 3.9 attempts per game). Started 22 games in 2018-19.
• Zyon Pullin (5) FR, G, 6-4, 195, Pleasant Hill, CA, College Park HS, 4.4 Pts, 2.1 Reb, 1.9 Ast --  made a 3, a 2 and a FT (all with no misses) at UCSB. Has been getting more minutes recently (16.5 minutes per game in last 2). Gets to the FT line (.339 FT's per FG attempt), but percentage has dropped in conference play (.216).
• DJ McDonald (3) SO, G, 5-11, 175, Sylmar, CA, Bishop Alemany HS, 4.5 Pts, 0.6 Reb, 0.7 Ast -- was held scoreless in 6 minutes at UCSB. Missed 3 straight games before playing in both games last week. Can hit the three (.373, 8.4 attempts per 40 minutes). 89% of shot attempts are from distance. Averaging 3.0 ppg in conference.
• Zac Watson (11) SO, F, 6-7, 210, Plano, TX, Liberty HS, 2.8 Pts, 3.0 Reb, 0.8 Ast -- did not play at UCSB, and has played in just two games in February (7 minutes total). Makes 62% of two-point shots, but has not attempted a shot since Jan. 23. Had 12 rebounds in just 19 minutes at Nebraska.
• Daniel Mading (4) SO, F, Perth, Australia, San Jacinto CC, 6-9, 200, 2.5 Pts, 2.1 Reb, 0.4 Ast -- scoreless in 8 minutes at UCSB. Has played in just 3 games since (14 total minutes). Takes 74% of shots from 3 (.235).
• Jaylen Cross (24) FR, G, 6-4, 185, Melbourne, Australia, Culver City HS, 0.8 Pts, 0.5 Reb, 0.3 Ast -- only 4 appearances, none since Jan. 23.

Match-up overview
UC Riverside is the hard-luck team of the conference. The Highlanders are just 1-5 in games decided by 5 points or less. In UC Riverside's now-ended 5-game conference losing streak, 4 of the games were decided by 4 points or less. The Highlanders played well in their visit to the Thunderdome, shooting .532 from the field and tying the rebound battle 24-24. Max Heidegger bailed out the Gauchos with a 3-pointer with under 3 seconds left. Shall we relive it?



That was UCSB's only win in a 5-game stretch in which teams shot a combined .525 vs. the Gauchos. Since then, only one team has shot better than .459 in 6 games (Davis shot .560 at Davis) and the team has gone 5-1. The Gauchos are going to go as far as their defense will take them. UCSB needs two victories this week to hit the 20-win mark for the third consecutive season. It would mark three straight 20-win seasons for just the second time in program history (1987-88, 1988-89, 1989-90).

Riverside is a poor man's UC Irvine...the big men are of the size of Irvine's bigs if not as talented, while UCR can probably shoot it better from outside. They like to play inside-out, rebound it well and keep the pace low. They were tough in the Thunderdome, and Riverside has been a house of horrors over the years for the Gauchos. UC Riverside is 5-3 in its last 8 games vs. UCSB at UCR Student Recreation Center, quite possibly the ugliest gym in college basketball.

Teams continue to try and take away Amadou Sow (14.6 Pts, 7.2 Reb, 0.7 Ast) as an option. After averaging 14 FG attempts per game in wins over Long Beach, Hawai'i and Irvine, he has averaged 8.3 FG attempts per game in the last 3 contests. UCSB guards still don't take an optimal angle to get him the ball in an attacking position. Still, he is 15-of-25 from the field in the last 3 (.600), and has averaged 3 blocks per game during that span.

Max Heidegger (16.9 Pts, 2.5 Reb, 3.3 Ast) earned Big West Men’s Basketball Player of the Week accolades for the second time in his career as the senior averaged 22.0 points in a pair of conference wins. The 6-foot-3 guard collected game-high point totals of 27 against Cal State Fullerton and 17 vs. UC Davis. Heidegger also averaged 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 41.7% (5-of-12) from distance. In UCSB’s 70-56 win over UC Davis, Heidegger hit two triples en route to his 17-point night – both three-point baskets came in the final five minutes of the game after the Aggies took a late one-point lead. He added four assists in the win. In 72 minutes of playing time over the two games, Heidegger had nine assists against just one turnover.

JaQuori McLaughlin (13.3 Pts, 3.3 Reb, 3.8 Ast) scored just 8 points vs. UC Davis, but he added 7 assists and a steal vs. two turnovers. He didn't get to the FT line for the first time in four games, but he seemed to have some mo-jo in driving to the rim and pinwheeling off of Heidegger. He's averaging 4 assists per game in his last 8 games.

Matt Freeman (9.6 Pts, 4.0 Reb, 2 Ast) had an off-night vs. Davis, hitting just 1-of-7 shots from the field in tallying 4 points. He had 2 rebounds and 3 assists in 21 minutes, his fewest minutes since he played a foul-plagued 19 minutes at Long Beach. Since that game, when he poured in 6 three-pointers, he has made just 4-of-21 three-pointers (.190). He made 3 free throws vs. UCD and is now 40-of-45 from the FT line this season (.889).

Devearl Ramsey (8.0 Pts, 4.0 Reb, 2.5 Ast) had one of his best games of the season in the win over Davis. Ramsey was 5-of-7 from the field, including 3-of-5 from 3, for 13 points along with 7 rebounds. He's averaging 5.2 rebounds per game in his last 5 games. He is 50-of-58 from the FT line this season (.862).

Robinson Idehen (5.3 Pts, 4.1 Reb, 0.4 Ast) was active in his 10 minutes of playing time vs. Davis, hitting 4-of-5 shots (8 points) and grabbing 5 rebounds. He has made 57-of-82 from the field this season (.695).

Brandon Cyrus (5.8 Pts, 3.5 Reb, 1.3 Ast) has come off the bench the last 8 games, but is still getting starter-like minutes. He played 28 minutes vs. Davis, making just 2-of-8 shots but pulling down a season-high 8 rebounds...5 of them on the offensive boards. He seems to have at least one play per game where he takes it to the hole and dunks.

Jay Nagle (2.1 Pts, 1.1 Reb, 0.6 Ast) played just 3 minutes vs, Davis, and is averaging just 4 minutes per game in the last 4. He is 14-of-40 (.350) from three this season, but just 10 for his last 35 (.286).

Sekou Toure (3.3 Pts, 2.4 Reb, 0.4 Ast) hasn't scored since Jan. 22, mainly because he has logged just 34 total minutes since then (4.25 mpg). In my mind, his value is in defense, offensive rebounds and straight-line drives...but what do I know?

Keys to the game for the Gauchos 

• Guard the bigs one-on-one. You can't collapse on UCR's big men because Riverside will make you pay from the 3-point line.
• Speaking of, guard the 3-point line. Riverside takes the most threes in the conference, and has hit 36% of them in conference.
• Find a way to get Sow the ball. He made 6-of-9 vs. UCR on 1/25. He's quicker than McRae and McWilliam.
• Heidegger penetration creates opportunities for others. Max has put it all together...he can score, he can facilitate, he can play defense.
• Get to the free throw line. The Gauchos make free throws at a 76% clip.

Prediction
DC2 trends: UCSB's 5-game trend is strong at 55.18. UC Riverside is trending at 44.90 in its last 5. The Highlanders are just 3-3 at home in conference, and have lost their last 2 at Division I's ugliest gym. But this has always been a nightmare trip for UCSB. I think we get it done, but just barely. UCSB 57, UC Riverside 56.

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UCR vs. UCSB Men's Basketball Game Preview, by GauchoDan

UCSB vs. UC Riverside
Saturday, January 25, 2020, 7 PM PST
 
Quick Bite
A three-game losing streak has knocked out Freg, and I had some time to put this together on a Friday morning. It doesn't get any easier. A confident UC Riverside arrives in the Thunderdome on Saturday.

By the Numbers                                                              
 

Quadrant 4 Game
Record (D1)	13-8	12-7
Home/Away (D1)	4-6 (A)	7-3 (H)
Big West Conference	3-2	1-3
Composite National Rankings
NET, kpi, sor, bpi, pom, sag	210	183
DCI	248	199
DC2	202	173
RPI	254	236
NET	217	174
SOS (NET)	343	339
Efficiency Rankings (Pomeroy)
Offense	266	81
Defense	158	267
Tempo	327	339
Team Statistics (Overall/BWC)
Scoring	66.6 (300)  /  69.6 (3)	72.1 (161)  /  63.3 (8)
FG%	43.6 (186)  /  43.0 (4)	46.6 (43)  /  43.3 (3)
3Pt %	35.4 (89)  /  37.0 (3)	33.2 (184)  /  32.5 (7)
FT%	68.5 (227)  /  70.5 (4)	75.9 (39)  /  77.9 (1)
Scoring Defense	61.0 (21)  /  66.2 (3)	66.7 (115)  /  63.3 (2)
FG % Defense	40.6 (88)  /  44.9 (7)	44.6 (269)  /  45.7 (8)
3Pt % Defense	33.2 (209)  /  40.2 (7)	36.0 (310)  /  36.8 (6)
Off. Rebounds	9.6 (147)  /  9.8 (2)	10.8 (135)  /  9.3 (6)
Def. Rebounds allowed	23.1 (184)  /  24.0 (6)	20.9 (19)  /  20.3 (1)
Def. Rebounds	27.9 (10)  /  27.2 (1)	24.6 (251)  /  22.0 (9)
Off. Rebounds allowed	7.1 (27)  /  6.6 (3)	8.1 (36)  /  8.5 (5)
Total Rebounds	37.5 (26)  /  37.0 (1)	35.4 (212)  /  31.3 (9)
Total Rebounds allowed	30.2 (106)  /  30.6 (6)	28.9 (17)  /  28.8 (1)
Assists	13.2 (98)  /  12.2 (2)	13.4 (174)  /  10.5 (8)
Steals	5.0 (278)  /  4.6 (7)	4.7 (333)  /  6.0 (6)
Blocks	2.4 (246)  /  2.6 (5)	2.7 (239)  /  2.0 (7)
Best win (NET)	Fresno State (162)	UT Arlington (118)
Worst loss (NET)	CSUN (245)	LBC The Beach (282)
Trend (D1 only)	Won 1, 4 of last 6	Lost 3

UCSB - UC Riverside History
UCSB and UC Riverside have played 45 times in a series that began in 1955. The Gauchos hold an all-time edge of 35-10, and the teams split a pair of games last season with the Highlanders winning 71-57 in Riverside and UCSB winning 72-64 at the Thunderdome, where UCR has never won.

Head Coach
David Patrick became the Head Men's Basketball Coach at UC Riverside in March of 2018 following successful assistant coaching stints at TCU and LSU. He enters his second season following an inaugural campaign (2018-19) which saw the Highlanders break several program records including 279 three-point shots culminating in a .379 three-point shooting percentage which was the best in the Big West Conference and top 30 (28th) in the nation.

Roster 
The Highlanders announced themselves on opening night of the 2019-20 season with a "buy game" win at Big Ten doormat Nebraska. Riverside later picked up a win at Fresno State, but turned around and got blown out by Air Force (57-106). Last time out, Riverside ran roughshod over an improving Cal Poly squad...making 16-of-30 three-pointers in a 97-64 runaway.

Probable Starters

• G (13) Khyber Kabellis, 6'4", 185 lbs, Senior, 5.4 ppg, 3.4 reb, 3.2 apg, 21.7 min. Played two years at North Dakota State and one year at Pacific before graduate-transferring to UCR. Kabellis went off vs. Cal Poly, hitting four three-pointers to break out of a horrible shooting slump (just 5-of-41 from three prior to Thursday night).
• G (15) Dikymbe Martin, 6'1", 170 lbs, Senior, 7.6 ppg, 1.4 reb, 1.4 apg, 17.8 min. An enigma...has a history of suspensions and missed four games at the start of this season and has just now cracked the starting lineup. Averages 4.5 three-point attempts per game, making 42%...make him drive, as he hits just 35% of his two-pointers. 81% free-thrower.
• G (22) Dominick Pickett, 6'3", 210 lbs, Junior, 6.9 ppg, 2.4 reb, 1.5 apg, 24.6 min. The only other player to have started each game this season. One of four players who attempt at least 2.9 three-pointers per game, hitting at a 43% rate. Two-point % very low at just 41%...make him drive as well. 90% free-throw best on team.
• F (1) Arinze Chidom, 6'9", 240 lbs, Junior, 11.3 ppg, 7.3 reb, 1.5 apg, 22.3 min. Became eligible in December after leaving the Washington State team a year prior. Has started 9 of 10 games since. Scored 18 points vs. Cal Poly. Probablt the best three-point shooter on the team, hitting at a blazing 48.3% on 2.9 attempts per game.
• C (23) Angus McWilliam, 6'10", 240 lbs, Sophomore, 7.4 ppg, 4.7 reb, 17.3 min. Hits 61% of his shots from inside the three-point line. He will take the three, but he only hits 21% of them. Originally from New Zealand, transferred in from TCU)

Key Reserves

• (35) George Willborn III, 6'3", 195 lbs, Junior, 7.7 ppg, 5.2 reb, 1.0 apg, 23.1 min. Redshirt transfer from UTSA. Didn't play vs. Cal Poly.
• (25) Callum McRae, 7'1", 275 lbs, Sophomore, 9.0 ppg, 6.2 reb, 1.1 apg, 22.4 min. One of only six 7-footers in the conference, he has started 16 of 21 games this season. 
• (5) Zyon Pullin, 6'4", 195 lbs, Freshman, 5.1 ppg, 2.5 reb, 2.4 apg, 20.7 min.
• (3) DJ McDonald, 5'11", 175 lbs, Sophomore, 5.4 ppg, 16.9 min. Hits 37.3% of his threes (3.6 attempts per game)
• (10) Dragan Elkaz, 6'5", 205 lbs, Sophomore, 6.1 ppg, 1.4 reb, 16.8 min. Started two games. Hits 40.2% of his threes (4.6 attempts per game)
• (11) Zac Watson, 6'7", 210 lbs, Sophomore, 3.2 ppg, 3.4 reb, 13.4 min. Hits 61.7% of his two-point attempts.
• (4) Daniel Mading, 6'9", 200 lbs, Sophomore, 3.3 ppg, 2.4 reb, 12.3 min. Started 7 games, has missed nine games.

Match-up overview:
UC RV played a similar non-conference schedule to the Gauchos...putrid. However, that allowed the team to post its best non-conference record (10-6) since it joined the Big West in 2001. Riverside leads the conference in three-point attempts (23.6 per game), which translates to one of the higher effective field-goal percentages in the conference (51.2%). Combine 3-point-shooting with a beefy interior with excellent rebounding and a plodding temp, and you have an Irvine-like team in style, if not talent.  UCSB is in a sudden funk, having lost three in a row since cruising through the latter 75% of its non-conference schedule. The skid coincides with the return of Max Heidegger, although that may have nothing to do with the startling turnaround. Second-half collapses continue to plague the team, as it has now lost five games in which it led at halftime. UCSB is especially vulnerable to penetrating guards. Hopefully, JaQuori McLaughlin can play after missing the CSUN game.

Keys to the game for the Gauchos 

• Prevent three-point attempts. Not just by extending the defense...prevent the inside-out game.
• Play 40 minutes. The team has run out of gas in the 2nd half in three straight games. Riverside spreads its minutes around to a greater number of players. Could they be more rested in crunch time.
• Offense continues to stagnate. Ball reversals are important, and recognition of double teams (looking at you, Amadou) is as well. If JaQuori plays, there needs to be better integration between him and Max. We have two dynamic, penetrating guards and yet the offense is standing around.
• Starting lineup: who sits when JaQuori starts? Freeman already took a seat for Idehen. Is Cyrus sitting?
• Boards: both teams are very good rebounding squads. Who will win the battle for second-chance buckets. I'd like to see Toure flying in for rebounds.

Prediction
The trend has been very bad for UCSB. The Gauchos' overall raw DC2 is 49.76, but the last five is just 41.61. UCR is flying high after its rout of Cal Poly. With no chance really for Joe Pasternack to reset the Gauchos, I'm going with a gut-wrenching 72-70 victory to stop, temporarily, the bleeding.

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