UC Irvine Anteaters Edge UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:30 PM ET · Bren Events Center
UC Irvine Anteaters 64, UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 60, 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 UC Irvine Anteaters?
UC Irvine Anteaters beat UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 64-60 at Bren Events Center on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs UC Irvine Anteaters?
UC Irvine Anteaters were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the UC Irvine Anteaters triumphed over the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos with a final score of 64-60. This victory not only highlights UC Irvine's solid performance at home but also adds another chapter to their competitive rivalry with UC Santa Barbara, who they faced for the fourth time in the last two seasons.
The Anteaters entered the game with a home record of 20-10, showcasing a strong performance in their recent games with a record of 7-3 over their last ten outings. They have averaged 75.0 points scored while allowing 68.7 points per game during this stretch. Their most recent game prior to this matchup was a narrow victory against the Cal State Northridge Matadors, where they won 68-67. UC Irvine's last five games showed a slight dip in scoring, averaging 73.0 points while allowing 68.0.
On the other hand, the Gauchos brought an 18-12 record into the game, with a recent form of 6-4 in their last ten games. They averaged 76.1 points scored and allowed 73.1 points during this span. Their last game resulted in a win against UC Riverside, where they secured a 70-59 victory. In their last five games, UC Santa Barbara averaged 76.6 points while allowing 75.8.
The game took place at the Bren Events Center, where UC Irvine has performed well, boasting a home record of 3-1 in their last four home games. Conversely, UC Santa Barbara's away record stood at 3-3, indicating some struggles on the road. The Anteaters had previously faced the Gauchos on February 8, 2026, where they lost 79-84, making this win particularly significant for UC Irvine as they sought to even the score in their season series.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players who were unavailable for either team, which meant both squads were likely at full strength for this critical matchup.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had UC Irvine favored by 3.5 points with a total set at 138.5. The Anteaters were listed at -185.0 on the money line, while the Gauchos were at +154.0. This context added an extra layer of intrigue to the game, as both teams aimed to prove their worth in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
Conditions during the game were not detailed in the block, but the intensity of the matchup was palpable, with both teams fighting hard for every possession. Viewers were treated to a series of scoring plays that highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest. With the Anteaters trailing 57-55 in the second half, Kyle Evans tied the game with a layup, leading to a sequence of critical plays that ultimately secured the win for UC Irvine.
Colin Smith's free throw and Andre Henry's contributions, including a couple of crucial free throws and a jump shot, were pivotal in the closing moments. Additionally, Zion Sensley's three-point jumper helped maintain the Anteaters' lead as they edged closer to victory.
In conclusion, the game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with UC Irvine managing to secure a hard-fought victory at home. This win not only boosts their confidence heading into the latter stages of the season but also reaffirms their dominance in this particular matchup against UC Santa Barbara.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCI -3.5 | 138.5 o -108 / u -112 | UC Santa Barbara Gauchos +154 · UC Irvine Anteaters -185 |
Leaders
- PointsJurian Dixon13UC Irvine Anteaters
- AssistsJurian Dixon2UC Irvine Anteaters
- ReboundsJurian Dixon6UC Irvine Anteaters
- PointsColin Smith16UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
- AssistsCJ Shaw5UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
- ReboundsHosana Kitenge8UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
Recent form
UC Irvine Anteaters
Last 10: 7-3Streak W175 scored · 68.7 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W68-67at Cal State Northridge MatadorsFeb 27
- L69-71vs UC San Diego TritonsFeb 22
- W69-58at Long Beach State BeachFeb 20
- W86-65vs Cal State Fullerton TitansFeb 15
- L73-79at Cal Poly MustangsFeb 13
- L79-84at UC Santa Barbara GauchosFeb 8
- W78-62vs Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersFeb 6
- W87-76vs Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsJan 30
- W61-59at UC San Diego TritonsJan 25
- W80-66at UC Riverside HighlandersJan 23
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
Last 10: 6-4Streak W176.1 scored · 73.1 allowed per game3-3 away
- 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
- W74-71at Long Beach State BeachJan 25
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 | UC Irvine Anteaters |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-49 | 23-58 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 11-25 | 1-10 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 10 |
| Free throws | 7-9 | 17-27 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 24 |
| Assists | 14 | 9 |
| Steals | 2 | 9 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 3 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 16 | 44 |
| Fouls | 21 | 11 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 8 | 86 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half26-32Zion Sensley makes 23-foot three point jumper (Marvin McGhee IV assists)
- 2nd Half26-34Akiva McBirney-Griffin makes layup
- 2nd Half26-35Akiva McBirney-Griffin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half29-35Colin Smith makes 24-foot three point jumper (CJ Shaw assists)
- 2nd Half29-37Derin Saran makes layup (Tama Isaac assists)
- 2nd Half32-37Colin Smith makes 23-foot three point jumper (Zion Sensley assists)
- 2nd Half33-37Colin Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half34-37Colin Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-37Colin Smith makes 26-foot three point jumper (CJ Shaw assists)
- 2nd Half39-37Zion Sensley makes driving layup (Aidan Mahaney assists)
- 2nd Half41-37Colin Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-39Andre Henry makes 2-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half41-40Andre Henry makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half41-42Harrison Carrington makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half41-44Jovan Jester Jr. makes driving layup (Harrison Carrington assists)
- 2nd Half41-45Jovan Jester Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half41-47Andre Henry makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-47Colin Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-48Jovan Jester Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-50Jovan Jester Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-50Aidan Mahaney makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-50Aidan Mahaney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-52Andre Henry makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half47-52Zion Sensley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-52Aidan Mahaney makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-52Zion Sensley makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Colin Smith assists)
- 2nd Half51-53Kyle Evans makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-54Kyle Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-54Aidan Mahaney makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half54-55Jovan Jester Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-55CJ Shaw makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-55CJ Shaw makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-55Colin Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-57Kyle Evans makes layup
- 2nd Half57-59Jurian Dixon makes driving layup (Jovan Jester Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half57-61Andre Henry makes 6-foot pullup jump shot (Derin Saran assists)
- 2nd Half57-62Andre Henry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-63Andre Henry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-63Zion Sensley makes 25-foot three point jumper (CJ Shaw assists)
- 2nd Half60-64Tama Isaac makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UC Irvine Anteaters, below favours UC Santa Barbara Gauchos.
Venue
- Bren Events CenterIrvine, CA
- Attendance4377
- OfficialsShawn Lehigh, John Hampton, James Duke
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