UC Santa Barbara led the Matadors 35-28 at the end of the first half. The Gauchos scored 15 points off the Matadors' 14 turnovers. The Gauchos also showcased strong perimeter shooting, hitting five of 22 three-point attempts compared to the Matadors' two of seven in the first 20 minutes. The Gauchos' first half defense was effective, with seven steals and four blocks, and they maintained a solid free throw percentage with eight of nine made.
 

In the second stanza, UC Santa Barbara scored 43 points as the Matadors had 44. The Gauchos displayed a strong shooting performance from beyond the arc, making eight out of 14 three-point attempts. Stephan Swenson led the Gauchos with crucial plays, contributing five steals and three assists in the half. The Gauchos excelled in fast-break opportunities with 10 points, while also capitalizing on turnovers, scoring 15 points off the Matadors' miscues. Despite the Matadors' advantage in points in the paint with 22 and a slightly higher total rebounding count of 17, the Gauchos stayed competitive with a balanced offensive attack and effective use of their bench.
 

UC Santa Barbara's team featured several standout performers. Swenson led the team with 25 points, hitting 9 of 23 baskets and 7 of 17 three-point attempts, while also contributing 4 steals. Cole Anderson added 16 points, making 5 of 11 baskets, all of which were three-pointers, and collected 4 steals. Jason Fontenet II was efficient at the free-throw line, converting 7 of 8 attempts, and recorded 5 assists and 2 steals. Koat Keat Tong and Max Murrell each impressed defensively with 2 blocks. 

Keonte Jones led the Matadors with a standout performance, contributing 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. He also recorded 11 rebounds and two steals, marking him as a key player in both scoring and defensive efforts. Mahmoud Fofana also made a significant impact, scoring 17 points with an impressive 9-of-10 from the free-throw line. He added eight rebounds and two steals, making his presence felt in multiple facets of the game.