Championship Central | Box Score | UCSB presser | CSUB presser | Game Highlights
Henderson, Nev. -- No. 5 seed UC Santa Barbara secured a 71-66 victory over No. 8 seed Cal State Bakersfield at Lee's Family Forum, during the first round of the 2025 Big West Men's Basketball Championship, presented by Credit Union 1. The Gauchos advance to the second round and will play No. 4 seed CSUN. 

UC Santa Barbara led Bakersfield 32-25 at the end of the first half, powered by a strong performance off the bench, contributing 14 points compared to the Roadrunners' two. The Gauchos made 11 of 26 baskets, including three of 12 from beyond the arc, and converted seven of nine free throws, while CSUB made 10 of 31 shots, including three of 12 from three-point range. UCSB also took advantage of turnovers, scoring nine points off turnovers, and demonstrated solid defense with four steals and two blocks, despite being outrebounded 21 to 16 by the Roadrunners.

In the second half, UC Santa Barbara scored 39 points, while CSU Bakersfield scored 41 points. UCSB demonstrated strong defense with three blocks and three steals, alongside securing ten defensive rebounds. Offensively, they made 11 out of 26 basket attempts, including four out of 14 3-pointers, and scored fourteen points in the paint. Cal State Bakersfield scored 16 points in the paint and made eight out of ten free throws, but committed four turnovers and had 16 personal fouls compared to UCSB's three turnovers and ten fouls.

Colin Smith made a significant impact for UCSB, leading the team with 13 points, including three successful 3-pointers, and contributing two blocks. Jason Fontenet II was a key playmaker with a team-high five assists, while also securing six rebounds. Kenny Pohto matched Smith's scoring output with 13 points and added seven total rebounds. Stephan Swenson was effective from the free-throw line, going six-for-six, and led the defensive effort with four steals.

CJ Hardy and Jemel Jones were key performers for the Roadrunners in their recent game. Hardy recorded 12 points with an efficient shooting performance, hitting 6 of his 8 basket attempts. Jones led the team in scoring with 15 points, converting 6 of 15 shots, and added 4 assists. Corey Stephenson also contributed significantly, matching Hardy's 12 points but standing out defensively with 2 blocks and leading the team in rebounds with 9. Marvin McGhee III added 10 points, including 2 successful 3-pointers, and collected 5 rebounds. These players were instrumental in the team's overall performance.