Cal Poly Mustangs Upset UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Mott Athletics Center
Cal Poly Mustangs 89, UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 79, 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 UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs Cal Poly Mustangs?
Cal Poly Mustangs beat UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 89-79 at Mott Athletics Center on February 14, 2026.
Who was favored in UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs Cal Poly Mustangs?
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The underdog won.
In a surprising turn of events, the Cal Poly Mustangs defeated the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 89-79 at the Mott Athletics Center on February 15, 2026. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Mustangs, who had struggled throughout the season with a record of 11-16 prior to this game. The win also snapped a three-game losing streak against the Gauchos, who came into the matchup with a solid 17-9 record and were favored by 3.5 points according to DraftKings.
The Mustangs, riding a recent wave of momentum with a 4-6 record in their last ten games, showcased an impressive offensive performance, averaging 81.6 points in that span while allowing 86.2. Their last outing before facing UCSB was a win against UC Irvine, where they triumphed 79-73. In contrast, the Gauchos had been in fine form, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten games, with an average of 79.9 points scored and 71.1 points allowed. They were coming off a victory against UC Riverside, winning 76-68.
At home, the Mustangs had a record of 2-3 in their last five games, while the Gauchos had been strong on the road with a 4-1 record in their last five away games. Historically, the Mustangs had struggled against the Gauchos, losing all three previous meetings in the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Their most recent encounter on January 23, 2026, ended in a lopsided 67-107 defeat for Cal Poly.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but the Mustangs' recent form suggested they were finding their rhythm at a crucial time. The conditions for the game were not detailed, but the Mustangs' home court advantage at the Mott Athletics Center proved pivotal in this matchup.
The betting odds reflected the Gauchos' status as favorites, with a spread of 3.5 points and a total set at 159.5. The over was priced at -105.0, while the under was at -115.0. The moneyline showed the Mustangs at +154.0 and the Gauchos at -185.0, indicating confidence in the Gauchos’ ability to secure a win.
As the game unfolded, the Mustangs capitalized on their home crowd's energy and executed their game plan effectively. Key moments included a series of free throws by Peter Bandelj in the second half, which helped to extend their lead late in the game. The Mustangs' ability to maintain composure and convert crucial scoring opportunities ultimately led to their victory.
This win for Cal Poly not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where any team can emerge victorious on any given night.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCSB -3.5 | 159.5 o -105 / u -115 | UC Santa Barbara Gauchos -185 · Cal Poly Mustangs +154 |
Leaders
- PointsPeter Bandelj18Cal Poly Mustangs
- AssistsPeter Bandelj2Cal Poly Mustangs
- ReboundsCayden Ward8Cal Poly Mustangs
- PointsZion Sensley21UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
- AssistsColin Smith3UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
- ReboundsZion Sensley9UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
Recent form
Cal Poly Mustangs
Last 10: 4-6Streak W181.6 scored · 86.2 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W79-73vs UC Irvine AnteatersFeb 13
- L58-67at UC Davis AggiesFeb 7
- L96-97vs Cal State Northridge MatadorsFeb 6
- W94-87at UC Riverside HighlandersFeb 1
- W104-79at Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersJan 30
- L78-93vs Cal State Fullerton TitansJan 25
- L67-107at UC Santa Barbara GauchosJan 23
- L66-86vs Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsJan 16
- W84-78vs UC Davis AggiesJan 10
- L90-95at Cal State Northridge MatadorsJan 9
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
Last 10: 8-2Streak W279.9 scored · 71.1 allowed per game4-1 away
- 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
- W74-71at Long Beach State BeachJan 25
- W107-67vs Cal Poly MustangsJan 23
- W77-62vs Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsJan 18
- W75-69at Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersJan 16
- L86-93vs UC Davis AggiesJan 9
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 Santa Barbara Gauchos | Cal Poly Mustangs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-59 | 29-55 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 13-34 | 10-27 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 37 |
| Free throws | 14-19 | 21-26 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 27 |
| Assists | 11 | 12 |
| Steals | 3 | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 21 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 38 |
| Fouls | 21 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 35 | 54 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-50Cayden Ward makes layup
- 2nd Half50-51Troy Plumtree makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-52Troy Plumtree makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-55Jess Esso Essis makes 23-foot three point jumper (Peter Bandelj assists)
- 2nd Half52-55Colin Smith makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half53-55Colin Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-55Colin Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-55Marvin McGhee IV makes 27-foot three point jumper (Colin Smith assists)
- 2nd Half57-58Jake Davis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Peter Bandelj assists)
- 2nd Half57-61Hamad Mousa makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half57-63Hamad Mousa makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half60-63Zion Sensley makes 24-foot three point jumper (CJ Shaw assists)
- 2nd Half60-66Jackson Mosley makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half62-66Aidan Mahaney makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half65-66Aidan Mahaney makes 26-foot three point jumper (CJ Shaw assists)
- 2nd Half65-68Cayden Ward makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-71Austin Goode makes 26-foot three point jumper (Hamad Mousa assists)
- 2nd Half67-71Aidan Mahaney makes layup
- 2nd Half67-73Peter Bandelj makes layup
- 2nd Half70-73Colin Smith makes 25-foot three point jumper (Aidan Mahaney assists)
- 2nd Half70-75Hamad Mousa makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-76Hamad Mousa makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-76Aidan Mahaney makes layup
- 2nd Half72-78Hamad Mousa makes 2-foot jumper
- 2nd Half72-79Hamad Mousa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-80Hamad Mousa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-80Colin Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-80Colin Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-81Cayden Ward makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-82Cayden Ward makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-83Cayden Ward makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-83CJ Shaw makes layup
- 2nd Half77-83CJ Shaw makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half77-84Peter Bandelj makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-85Peter Bandelj makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-85Zion Sensley makes layup
- 2nd Half79-86Peter Bandelj makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-87Peter Bandelj makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-88Peter Bandelj makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-89Peter Bandelj makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cal Poly Mustangs, below favours UC Santa Barbara Gauchos.
Venue
- Mott Athletics CenterSan Luis Obispo, CA
- Attendance2870
- OfficialsDoug Sturdivan, Peter Larson, John Jenkins Jr.
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