Gauchos Defeat Rainbow Warriors 77-62 at The Thunderdome
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · The Thunderdome
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 77, Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors 62, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors vs UC Santa Barbara Gauchos?
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos beat Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors 77-62 at The Thunderdome on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors vs UC Santa Barbara Gauchos?
Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos secured a decisive 77-62 victory over the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors at The Thunderdome, showcasing their ability to dominate at home. This matchup was particularly significant as it allowed the Gauchos to improve their home record to 5-5 over the last ten games, while the Rainbow Warriors, despite their strong away record of 9-1, were unable to keep pace.
In their recent form, the Gauchos have had a mixed bag, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They have averaged 77.3 points scored while allowing 75.9 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games saw them winning two and losing three, with an average of 77.8 points scored and 78.4 points allowed. In contrast, the Rainbow Warriors have been in excellent form, boasting a record of 9-1 in their last ten games, with an impressive scoring average of 80.2 points and a significantly lower average of 62.6 points allowed. Their last five games featured a record of 4-1, scoring an average of 76.0 points while allowing 64.2 points.
The Gauchos have performed well at home, with a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, while the Rainbow Warriors have struggled slightly on the road, with an away record of 2-1 in their last three games. This fixture was also notable as it marked the third meeting of the season between the two teams, with the Gauchos previously winning both encounters in the 2025 season.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the overall performance of both teams suggests they were able to field their strongest lineups for this important matchup. The market had placed the Rainbow Warriors as slight favorites, with odds from DraftKings showing Hawai'i at -2.5. The total points line was set at 143.5, with over odds at -112.0 and under odds at -108.0, reflecting expectations of a competitive scoring affair.
The conditions at The Thunderdome were conducive to a high-energy game, and the Gauchos took advantage of their home-court advantage. Key moments in the second half included a series of scoring plays that highlighted their offensive prowess. For instance, Miro Little made a crucial 24-foot three-pointer, extending the Gauchos' lead at a pivotal moment. Additionally, Gytis Nemeiksa contributed with free throws that further solidified the Gauchos' position as they moved ahead in the second half.
As the game progressed, the Gauchos maintained control, and their ability to execute under pressure was evident. The final score reflected their dominance, with the Gauchos finishing strong, ultimately leading to a 15-point victory. This win not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their standing in the league, while the Rainbow Warriors will look to regroup and address their recent struggles on the road.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HAW -2.5 | 143.5 o -112 / u -108 | Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors -142 · UC Santa Barbara Gauchos +120 |
Leaders
- PointsAidan Mahaney17UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
- AssistsAidan Mahaney4UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
- ReboundsHosana Kitenge5UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
- PointsIsaiah Kerr13Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
- AssistsHunter Erickson3Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
- ReboundsDre Bullock6Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
Recent form
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
Last 10: 5-5Streak W177.3 scored · 75.9 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W75-69at Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersJan 16
- L86-93vs UC Davis AggiesJan 9
- L65-74at Cal State Northridge MatadorsJan 3
- L84-95at Cal State Fullerton TitansJan 2
- W79-61vs Portland PilotsDec 22
- L64-67at Green Bay PhoenixDec 18
- L53-68at Utah Valley WolverinesDec 13
- W109-84vs Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersDec 7
- W84-77vs Long Beach State BeachDec 5
- W74-71vs Seattle U RedhawksNov 29
Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
Last 10: 9-1Streak W280.2 scored · 62.6 allowed per game2-1 away
- W86-66at Cal Poly MustangsJan 16
- W67-66vs UC Irvine AnteatersJan 11
- L73-83at UC San Diego TritonsJan 4
- W88-45at UC Riverside HighlandersJan 2
- W66-61vs UTEP MinersDec 14
- W98-46vs Hawaiʻi Hilo VulcansDec 11
- W69-59vs Cal State Fullerton TitansDec 7
- W75-69vs UC Davis AggiesDec 5
- W92-55vs North Dakota Fighting HawksNov 29
- W88-76vs Hawaiʻi Pacific Sea WarriorsNov 25
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State | 29-7 | - | 15-5 |
| San Diego State | 22-11 | 1 | 14-6 |
| New Mexico | 26-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Grand Canyon | 20-12 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Nevada | 24-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Boise State | 20-12 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Colorado State | 21-13 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UNLV | 18-17 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Wyoming | 18-15 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Fresno State | 13-19 | 8 | 7-13 |
| San José State | 9-24 | 12 | 3-17 |
| Air Force | 3-29 | 15 | 0-20 |
| UC Irvine | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Hawai'i | 24-9 | 1 | 14-6 |
| UC San Diego | 23-11 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Northridge | 20-14 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Fullerton | 18-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| UC Davis | 19-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 18-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Cal Poly | 14-19 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Long Beach State | 10-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| UC Riverside | 10-22 | 10 | 5-15 |
| Cal State Bakersfield | 8-24 | 13 | 2-18 |
Box score
| Stat | Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors | UC Santa Barbara Gauchos |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-53 | 29-53 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 55 |
| Three-pointers | 8-22 | 7-18 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 39 |
| Free throws | 10-13 | 12-15 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 23 |
| Assists | 11 | 10 |
| Steals | 6 | 8 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 2 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 22 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 40 |
| Fouls | 13 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 20 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 98 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half21-40Aidan Mahaney makes driving layup
- 2nd Half23-40Isaac Johnson makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half26-40Hunter Erickson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Isaac Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half27-40Isaac Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half28-40Isaac Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half28-42Colin Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half30-42Dre Bullock makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half30-44Hosana Kitenge makes 17-foot jumper (Colin Smith assists)
- 2nd Half30-47Zion Sensley makes 24-foot three point jumper (Aidan Mahaney assists)
- 2nd Half30-49Hosana Kitenge makes driving layup
- 2nd Half32-49Harry Rouhliadeff makes layup
- 2nd Half33-49Harry Rouhliadeff makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half36-49Isaac Finlinson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Hunter Erickson assists)
- 2nd Half38-49Harry Rouhliadeff makes layup (Hunter Erickson assists)
- 2nd Half39-49Harry Rouhliadeff makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half39-51Aidan Mahaney makes driving layup
- 2nd Half42-51Isaiah Kerr makes 21-foot three point jumper (Gytis Nemeiksa assists)
- 2nd Half44-51Isaiah Kerr makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-53CJ Shaw makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half46-53Yacine Toumi makes layup (Isaac Finlinson assists)
- 2nd Half46-56Miro Little makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half46-58CJ Shaw makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-59CJ Shaw makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half46-61Zion Sensley makes layup
- 2nd Half46-63Zion Sensley makes layup (Marvin McGhee IV assists)
- 2nd Half48-63Isaac Johnson makes 16-foot jumper (Isaiah Kerr assists)
- 2nd Half48-66Aidan Mahaney makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half48-68Zion Sensley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-68Dre Bullock makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half51-70Hosana Kitenge makes layup
- 2nd Half54-70Isaiah Kerr makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dre Bullock assists)
- 2nd Half56-70Aaron Hunkin-Claytor makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-72Hosana Kitenge makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half56-75Miro Little makes 24-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half57-75Gytis Nemeiksa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-75Gytis Nemeiksa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-75Harry Rouhliadeff makes layup (Isaiah Kerr assists)
- 2nd Half62-75Isaiah Kerr makes layup (Aaron Hunkin-Claytor assists)
- 2nd Half62-76Zion Sensley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-77Zion Sensley makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, below favours Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors.
Venue
- The ThunderdomeSanta Barbara, CA
- Attendance2589
- OfficialsRyan Holmes, Jeff Flowers, Antonio Moss
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond