Tritons Edge Gauchos in Nail-Biter Finish
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · The Thunderdome
UC San Diego Tritons 64, UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 63, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won UC San Diego Tritons vs UC Santa Barbara Gauchos?
UC San Diego Tritons beat UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 64-63 at The Thunderdome on March 7, 2026.
Who was favored in UC San Diego Tritons vs UC Santa Barbara Gauchos?
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at The Thunderdome, the UC San Diego Tritons narrowly defeated the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos with a final score of 64-63. This game was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the intense rivalry between the two teams, with the Tritons improving their head-to-head record against the Gauchos to 2-3 in recent meetings.
Both teams entered the game with contrasting recent forms. The Gauchos, sporting an overall record of 18-13, had a mixed performance in their last ten games, finishing with a record of 5-5. They had averaged 74.7 points scored per game while allowing 72.4 points to their opponents. In their last five games, their record was 1-4, with an average of 73.4 points scored and 75.0 points allowed. At home, the Gauchos had a record of 3-1 in their last four games, while their away record stood at 2-4.
On the other hand, the Tritons, with a stronger overall record of 22-10, had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games. They averaged 70.2 points scored and 68.6 points allowed during that stretch. Their last five games saw them perform well, with a record of 4-1, averaging 75.6 points scored and 69.2 points allowed. The Tritons' away record in their last six games was notably weaker at 1-3, contrasting with their strong home record of 5-1.
The previous meetings between the two teams had seen the Gauchos win the most recent encounter on January 30, 2026, with a score of 62-48. However, the Tritons had won the earlier matchups in the 2025 season, which included a decisive victory of 69-51 on March 15, 2025, and a 77-63 win on January 24, 2025. The Gauchos had struggled in their previous encounters, losing all but one of the last four games against the Tritons.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either side, suggesting both teams were likely at full strength for this critical matchup. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had set the line with the Gauchos as 2.5-point favorites, indicating a close contest was expected. The total points line was set at 141.5, reflecting the anticipated scoring capabilities of both teams.
The conditions for the game were favorable, with both teams eager to secure a win as they approached the postseason. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere, and the game lived up to its billing as a closely contested affair.
As the game progressed, it was clear that every possession mattered. The second half saw numerous lead changes, with the Tritons making crucial plays down the stretch. Zion Sensley contributed significantly for the Tritons, making key free throws that helped them edge ahead. Jaden Vance's dunk tied the game at 58, while Tom Beattie's layup gave the Tritons a brief lead. CJ Shaw's three-pointer was pivotal, restoring the Tritons' lead at a critical juncture.
Ultimately, the Tritons managed to hold on to their slim lead as the clock wound down, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The Gauchos fought valiantly but fell just short, marking a disappointing end to their home season.
This game not only highlighted the competitive nature of both teams but also set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season as they prepare for their respective postseason challenges.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCSB -2.5 | 141.5 o -108 / u -112 | UC San Diego Tritons +114 · UC Santa Barbara Gauchos -135 |
Leaders
- PointsColin Smith13UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
- AssistsMiro Little7UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
- ReboundsMiro Little8UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
- PointsBol Dengdit15UC San Diego Tritons
- AssistsTom Beattie4UC San Diego Tritons
- ReboundsLeo Beath8UC San Diego Tritons
Recent form
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
Last 10: 5-5Streak L174.7 scored · 72.4 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L60-64at UC Irvine AnteatersMar 1
- W70-59vs UC Riverside HighlandersFeb 27
- L75-78at Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsFeb 22
- L83-85vs Cal State Northridge MatadorsFeb 20
- L79-89at Cal Poly MustangsFeb 15
- W76-68at UC Riverside HighlandersFeb 13
- W84-79vs UC Irvine AnteatersFeb 8
- L75-85at UC Davis AggiesFeb 6
- W83-69vs Cal State Fullerton TitansFeb 1
- W62-48at UC San Diego TritonsJan 30
UC San Diego Tritons
Last 10: 6-4Streak L170.2 scored · 68.6 allowed per game1-3 away
- L71-75at Cal State Fullerton TitansMar 6
- W80-64vs Cal Poly MustangsMar 1
- W84-72vs Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersFeb 27
- W71-69at UC Irvine AnteatersFeb 22
- W72-66vs UC Riverside HighlandersFeb 15
- W68-51vs UC Davis AggiesFeb 13
- L67-72at Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsFeb 8
- W77-74vs Long Beach State BeachFeb 6
- L64-81at Cal State Northridge MatadorsFeb 1
- L48-62vs UC Santa Barbara GauchosJan 30
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | UC San Diego Tritons | UC Santa Barbara Gauchos |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-54 | 22-48 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 2-15 | 10-27 |
| Three-point % | 13 | 37 |
| Free throws | 12-18 | 9-9 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 100 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 27 |
| Assists | 9 | 12 |
| Steals | 16 | 2 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 18 |
| Fouls | 14 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 17 | 17 |
| Time in front | 42 | 50 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half28-28Colin Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half28-29Colin Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half31-29Leo Beath makes 28-foot three point jumper (Jaden Vance assists)
- 2nd Half31-32Colin Smith makes 23-foot three point jumper (Miro Little assists)
- 2nd Half33-32Tom Beattie makes layup
- 2nd Half33-34Zion Sensley makes layup
- 2nd Half35-34Hudson Mayes makes layup
- 2nd Half37-34Bol Dengdit makes layup (Tom Beattie assists)
- 2nd Half38-34Hudson Mayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-34Hudson Mayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-37Aidan Mahaney makes 26-foot three point jumper (CJ Shaw assists)
- 2nd Half39-39Hosana Kitenge makes layup
- 2nd Half39-41Hosana Kitenge makes layup (Miro Little assists)
- 2nd Half40-41Emanuel Prospere II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-41Bol Dengdit makes layup
- 2nd Half43-41Leo Beath makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-44Colin Smith makes 26-foot three point jumper (CJ Shaw assists)
- 2nd Half43-47Aidan Mahaney makes 26-foot three point jumper (Miro Little assists)
- 2nd Half45-47Bol Dengdit makes layup (Hudson Mayes assists)
- 2nd Half46-47Jaden Vance makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-48CJ Shaw makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-49CJ Shaw makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-51Hosana Kitenge makes layup
- 2nd Half48-51Bol Dengdit makes layup (Tom Beattie assists)
- 2nd Half50-51Jaden Vance makes layup
- 2nd Half50-53Colin Smith makes layup (Miro Little assists)
- 2nd Half50-54Colin Smith makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half50-56Colin Smith makes layup (Aidan Mahaney assists)
- 2nd Half52-56Tom Beattie makes layup
- 2nd Half53-56Tom Beattie makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half55-56Hudson Mayes makes 3-foot dunk (Tom Beattie assists)
- 2nd Half56-56Leo Beath makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-57Zion Sensley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-58Zion Sensley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-58Jaden Vance makes 4-foot dunk
- 2nd Half60-58Tom Beattie makes layup (Leo Beath assists)
- 2nd Half60-61CJ Shaw makes 25-foot three point jumper (Miro Little assists)
- 2nd Half62-61Hudson Mayes makes layup
- 2nd Half62-63CJ Shaw makes layup
- 2nd Half64-63Jaden Vance makes layup (Tom Beattie assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, below favours UC San Diego Tritons.
Venue
- The ThunderdomeSanta Barbara, CA
- Attendance3899
- OfficialsRay Ames, Jason Alabanza, John Jenkins Jr.
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- 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
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Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- UC Santa Barbara Defeats UC San Diego 62-48Jan 29, 2026