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UCSD presser |
UCSB presser
HENDERSON, Nev. -- In its first Division I conference postseason game, top-seeded UC San Diego used a second-half surge to defeat UC Santa Barbara 69-51at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, Nev., on Friday as part of the first semifinals of the 2025 Big West Men's Basketball Championship, presented by Credit Union 1. The Tritons outscored the Gauchos 43-24 in the second half to secure the victory. UCSD moves onto the championship final against the winner of UC Irvine and Cal Poly.
UCSB led 27-26 at the end of 20 minutes. The Tritons shot 8-of-24 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and converted seven of 13 free throws. UCSD excelled in the paint, scoring ten points in the first stanza.
Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones led the team with contributions in both scoring and rebounds, as UCSD gathered 16 total rebounds, including five offensive boards. The Gauchos slightly outperformed with ten-for-31 shooting, including five 3-pointers, and held a rebounding advantage with 23 total rebounds.
The Tritons had a strong second half, outscoring the Gauchos 43-24. UCSD was efficient from the field, making 14 of 26 shots, including four 3-pointers on 13 attempts, including a 15-0 run in the middle of the period that saw the Tritons go from down 31-32 to up 46-32. The run was ignited by a
Tyler McGhie 3-pointer and capped off by a trey from
Nordin Kapic. UCSD increased its lead to as much as 20 points, and eventually prevailed by 18 points.
UCSD featured several standout performers. Tait-Jones led the team with 20 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the field and making 10 of 14 free throws, and also contributed significantly with eight rebounds, nine assists, and three blocks.
Hayden Gray was effective as well, scoring 11 points on 5-for-9 shooting and adding two steals to his performance. McGhie scored 13 points, primarily from the free-throw line, where he made 7 of 9 attempts. Kapic added 13 points, shooting 5-for-10 from the field and 2-for-6 from beyond the arc.
UCSB had several standout players.
Ben Shtolzberg led the team in field goals made, scoring 12 points on 5-for-10 shooting.
Stephan Swenson was a key contributor with 12 points, including three 3-pointers, and he also added a team-high six assists.
Colin Smith and
Kenny Pohto each scored 10 points.