Hawai'i Edges UC Santa Barbara in Overtime Thriller
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Stan Sheriff Center
Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors 78, UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 75, 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 Santa Barbara Gauchos vs Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors?
Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors beat UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 78-75 at Stan Sheriff Center on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors?
Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In a gripping overtime showdown, the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors triumphed over the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos with a final score of 78-75. This victory marks a significant moment for the Rainbow Warriors, who had previously struggled against the Gauchos, losing their last three encounters. The match took place at the Stan Sheriff Center, where Hawai'i holds a solid home record of 19-7 this season, while UC Santa Barbara's record stands at 17-11.
Hawai'i entered the game with a mixed recent form, having recorded a 6-4 record in their last ten games, including a two-game losing streak prior to this match. Their scoring average during this stretch was 79.6 points per game, while they allowed an average of 76.2 points. In their last five games, they managed to score an average of 77.0 points but allowed 78.6 points, indicating a struggle on the defensive end.
In contrast, UC Santa Barbara had been performing better recently, with a 7-3 record over their last ten games. However, they also faced a two-game losing streak leading into this matchup. The Gauchos averaged 80.0 points scored per game during this stretch, while allowing 72.3 points. Their last five games saw them average 79.4 points scored but also allowed a higher average of 81.2 points, showcasing defensive vulnerabilities.
At home, Hawai'i has been relatively strong, holding a 3-1 record in their last four home games. Conversely, UC Santa Barbara has a 3-2 record in their recent away games, indicating a decent performance away from home but not as dominant as their home record.
The historical context of this matchup is notable, as Hawai'i had not beaten UC Santa Barbara in their last three meetings. The previous encounters included a 62-77 loss for Hawai'i earlier in the season on January 18, 2026, and two other close contests in the previous season. This backdrop added intensity to the game, as the Rainbow Warriors sought to break their losing streak against the Gauchos.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide any specific details, but the impact of player availability can often be crucial in tightly contested games like this one. Both teams would have been keen to field their strongest lineups to secure a much-needed win.
The betting market positioned Hawai'i as the favorite, with odds from DraftKings showing a spread of -5.5 in favor of the Rainbow Warriors. The total points line was set at 145.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive scoring environment.
The conditions in the Stan Sheriff Center were conducive to an exciting game, and the atmosphere was electric as fans witnessed a closely contested battle. The scoring plays in overtime were particularly thrilling, with key moments including a clutch three-pointer by Zion Sensley and crucial free throws by Isaiah Kerr and Isaac Johnson that sealed the game for Hawai'i.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a display of resilience from both teams, with Hawai'i ultimately prevailing in a hard-fought contest. The victory not only boosts Hawai'i's confidence but also alters the narrative surrounding their rivalry with UC Santa Barbara, marking a turning point in their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HAW -5.5 | 145.5 o -110 / u -110 | UC Santa Barbara Gauchos +180 · Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors -218 |
Leaders
- PointsDre Bullock21Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
- AssistsHunter Erickson2Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
- ReboundsDre Bullock7Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
- PointsColin Smith19UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
- AssistsAidan Mahaney5UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
- ReboundsMarvin McGhee IV11UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
Recent form
Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
Last 10: 6-4Streak L279.6 scored · 76.2 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L75-86vs Cal Poly MustangsFeb 20
- L60-84at Cal State Northridge MatadorsFeb 15
- W89-74at Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersFeb 13
- W72-67vs UC San Diego TritonsFeb 8
- W89-82at Long Beach State BeachJan 31
- L76-87at UC Irvine AnteatersJan 30
- W89-68vs Cal State Northridge MatadorsJan 25
- W98-71vs Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersJan 23
- L62-77at UC Santa Barbara GauchosJan 18
- W86-66at Cal Poly MustangsJan 16
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
Last 10: 7-3Streak L280 scored · 72.3 allowed per game3-2 away
- 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
- W74-71at Long Beach State BeachJan 25
- W107-67vs Cal Poly MustangsJan 23
- W77-62vs Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsJan 18
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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | UC Santa Barbara Gauchos | Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-58 | 25-58 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 7-20 | 5-18 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 28 |
| Free throws | 18-23 | 23-34 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 27 |
| Assists | 12 | 6 |
| Steals | 4 | 5 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 36 |
| Fouls | 27 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 15 | 15 |
| Time in front | 52 | 42 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half48-46Hunter Erickson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Isaac Finlinson assists)
- 2nd Half49-46CJ Shaw makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-46CJ Shaw makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-47Isaiah Kerr makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-48Isaiah Kerr makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-48Michael Simcoe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-49Gytis Nemeiksa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-50Gytis Nemeiksa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-52Dre Bullock makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-53Dre Bullock makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half54-53Marvin McGhee IV makes 23-foot three point jumper (CJ Shaw assists)
- 2nd Half56-53Colin Smith makes layup (Hosana Kitenge assists)
- 2nd Half57-53Colin Smith makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half59-53Evans Kipruto makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half59-54Isaac Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-55Isaac Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-57Isaiah Kerr makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-57Colin Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-57Colin Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-59Dre Bullock makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half64-59Colin Smith makes 26-foot three point jumper (Aidan Mahaney assists)
- 2nd Half64-60Isaiah Kerr makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-61Isaiah Kerr makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-61Hosana Kitenge makes 4-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half66-62Dre Bullock makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-64Hunter Erickson makes layup
- 2nd Half66-66Harry Rouhliadeff makes 4-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half68-66Marvin McGhee IV makes layup
- 2nd Half68-68Harry Rouhliadeff makes 0-foot tip in layup
- OT68-71Isaiah Kerr makes 25-foot three point jumper
- OT69-71Colin Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT69-72Isaac Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT69-73Isaac Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT72-73Zion Sensley makes 26-foot three point jumper (Marvin McGhee IV assists)
- OT74-73Hosana Kitenge makes layup
- OT74-75Isaiah Kerr makes driving layup
- OT74-76Isaiah Kerr makes free throw 1 of 1
- OT74-77Hunter Erickson makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT75-77Michael Simcoe makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT75-78Isaac Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors, below favours UC Santa Barbara Gauchos.
Venue
- Stan Sheriff CenterHonolulu, HI
- Attendance9246
- OfficialsJon Campbell, Nomi Kidwai, Wesley Ford
Elsewhere
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