UCSB Soars Ahead of Thursday’s Big West Conference Basketball Opener
The UCSB basketball teams are set to kick off their Big West Conference journeys this Thursday. The two teams will compete in a unique opening, referred to as the “Bold Week,” featuring early-season interleague matchups. The Gaucho men will take on Long Beach State at 6 p.m. in their home arena, while the women’s team will face the same opponent at the Pyramid in Long Beach.
UCSB Men’s Basketball Overview
The UCSB men’s basketball team enters conference play with a record of 6-2. They are on a three-game winning streak, having recently triumphed in the Resorts World Las Vegas Classic. They managed to secure the No. 22 spot in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Polls.
- Coach: Joe Pasternack
- Upcoming Games:
- Thursday: vs. Long Beach State
- Saturday: vs. Cal State Bakersfield
Coach Pasternack expressed his reservations about the early timing of conference games. He emphasized the significant implications of these contests, especially regarding positioning in the conference tournament. He also encouraged local fans to wear blue for “Blue Out” night at the Thunderdome.
Key Players
Despite setbacks, including injuries to team captain Jason Fontenet II, the Gauchos showcased resilience. Notably, point guard Miro Little leads the team with averages of:
- Points: 13.0
- Assists: 4.1
- Steals: 2.1
Another standout is transfer Aidan Mahaney, averaging 12.5 points and contributing significantly with his three-point shooting.
UCSB Women’s Basketball Insights
The UCSB women’s basketball team has enjoyed a strong start this season with a 6-1 record, marking their best opening since the 2022-23 season. Currently riding a five-game winning streak, they have made their way into the CollegeInsider Mid-Major Poll at No. 15.
Recent Achievements
- Defeated Cal Baptist (previously unbeaten) 74-49.
- Secured a championship win against Tennessee Chattanooga, 66-64.
Under the leadership of second-year coach Renee Jimenez, the team is praised for its fast pace and strong shooting performance, scoring an average of 72.3 points per game. The Gauchos lead the Big West in field-goal percentage at 45% and have an impressive three-point shooting rate of 39.5%. This season, junior Zoe Borter is the leading scorer with an average of 14.0 points per game.
Team Dynamics
While the Gauchos lack height, with no starter taller than 6-foot-1, they make up for it with agility and skill. Sophomore Olivia Bradley has emerged as a crucial player, averaging 13.9 points and leading in rebounds with 5.3.
Both UCSB teams are gearing up for thrilling matchups as they enter the Big West Conference, looking to build on their current momentum and continue their paths toward success.
