Amy Dixon / Daily Nexus

On Feb. 20, the UC Santa Barbara men’s basketball team landed another win in a 86-56 victory against the Cal State Fullerton Titans at the Thunderdome in Santa Barbara. From the opening tip-off, the Gauchos took control, building an 11-point lead by halftime and finishing the first half with a 38-27 advantage.

The Thunderdome was alive with energy, as over 2,000 fans cheered in support of their team. Thanks to UCSB Surge, the university’s spirited student section, the crowd remained loud and proud from start to finish.

The Gauchos’ success was due to their shooting accuracy and exceptional defense. UCSB was also able to show off their offensive efficiency, shooting 53.2% from regular play and 46.2% from the three-point range. Freshman guard Zion Sensley also made his presence known with 14 points, showing his ability to make shots both near and farther away from the hoop.

On the defensive end, the Gauchos took charge as they held Cal State Fullerton to just 36.4% shooting and forced turnovers with seven steals and six blocks. Their high-energy defense disrupted the Titans, preventing them from an easy comeback.

The second half only widened the gap, as UCSB dominated Fullerton 48-29. However, Fullerton’s sophomore guard Antwan Robinson put up a strong effort, scoring 16 points for the Titans.

With this victory, UCSB improved their season record to 18-10 overall and 10-7 in the Big West Conference play. The win not only increased their position in the Big West standings, but also gave the team momentum heading into the postseason. Notably, this marked the Gauchos’ eighth consecutive winning season, a reflection of the program’s growth and consistency.

Looking ahead, the Gauchos are set to carry this momentum into their next matchup against the Cal Poly Mustangs on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at The Thunderdome. With their sharp offense, tenacious defense and unified team effort, UCSB has proven their determination to push forward toward the remainder of their season.

A version of this article was printed in the 27th Feb edition of the Daily Nexus.