The UCSB Gauchos: A Quirky Round-up of Basketball Happenings
SANTA BARBARA, Calif- The UC Santa Barbara Men’s Basketball team, or as I like to call them, the “Gaucho Gang,” are holding court this week at their four-game homestand. They’re taking on Eastern Washington and Mississippi Valley State in what they’re calling the “Mountain to Sea Showcase.” Sounds like a travel brochure gone wrong, but here we are!
LAST TIME OUT
So, picture this: the Gauchos kick off the season like a house on fire – four straight wins! But then, in a tragic plot twist straight out of a bad rom-com, they meet UTEP in the Thunderdome and lose a nail-biter, 79-76. The Miners lead early, and the Gauchos chase from behind like a cat trying to catch a laser pointer. Do the Gauchos need to invest in some lasers? I think so!
Kenny Pohto was the star of the show, racking up a delightful 21 points and 10 rebounds. Second straight double-double? He might just be the ‘double’ of the squad. Add a couple of assists, a steal, and a block to that stat line, and you’ve got yourself an athlete who’s more than just a pretty face!
LOOKING AT THE GAUCHOS
The Gauchos are strutting about like they own the place, averaging a staggering 84.2 points per game. They’re not just shooting; they’re shooting with purpose, ranking 30th in field goal percentage and 35th in three-pointers. But let’s not forget the rebounding! No, it’s not just a fancy term; they’re sporting a plus-11 margin per game, coming in at 24th nationally. If that doesn’t scream ‘We can jump higher than your average kangaroo,’ I don’t know what does!
Now let’s introduce the offensive roster. Four Gauchos are living it up in double figures! We’ve got Jason Fontenent II leading the charge with 15.8 points, with Kenny Pohto following closely at 12.2. Not to be outdone, we’ve got Stephan Swenson and Deuce Turner with 11.6 and 10.2 points, respectively. Together, they’re so on fire they could be at a barbecue (but remember guys, don’t play with matches)!
Football may be a game of inches, but basketball? It’s all about steals and assists! Jason’s not just capitalizing points – he’s sweeping the cup, averaging 5.4 defensive rebounds. Swenson? Not only leading the team in steals but also running up a storm with 4.6 assists. It seems half the team’s in the business of stealing and scoring. Perhaps they should put a ‘Beware of Gauchos’ sign in every basketball court!
EVALUATING THE EAGLES
Now, we look to the Eastern Washington Eagles, who are having trouble finding their wings this season with a 1-5 record. Last victory? Three weeks ago over Seattle University! Trust me, even the local pigeons are doing better! Despite their struggles, they do have a knack for interceptions, standing 25th nationally in steals. Nic McClain leads the charge with 17.8 points per game, and with 3.33 steals, he’s like a thief in the night, swooping in to snatch that ball!
Let’s not ignore Andrew Cook, dishing out a surprising 61.7 field goal percentage. Anything could happen. One can only hope they finally find some form, or they might need to switch them out with some local pigeons!
DEDUCING THE DELTA DEVILS
Meanwhile, Mississippi Valley State’s Delta Devils enter the fray at 1-5. Their last victory was against Mississippi University for Women, making their score count just a smidge above “but really?” status. They’re currently averaging 49.5 points per game, and let’s just say, they’re less of a basketball team and more of a casual pickup game at the park!
Donovan Sanders is the top scorer for the Devils, clocking in at 9.8 points per game. Should we send him a motivational poster, or is that a bit overboard? Meanwhile, Alvin Stredic is putting up a fight with 7.3 points and a lead on rebounds. With stats like that, they need to break this four-game losing streak faster than a kid shattering a piñata at a birthday party!
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
Now don’t forget, UCSB is running a Holiday Food Drive! Bring those non-perishables to the game, and get a complimentary voucher to enjoy another game – talk about a win-win, or should I say win-tin of beans?
FOLLOW ALONG
The Gauchos and Eagles are ready to tip off at 7 p.m. inside The Thunderdome on Nov. 26 – if you can’t make it, tune into ESPN+. Who doesn’t love a good basket or two? Remember, folks, not all heroes wear capes; some just wear basketball jerseys, and they often go by the name of Gaucho!
Crisp, witty, and packed with information, right? Just like a good Guacho sandwich—well-seasoned and delightful!
SANTA BARBARA, Calif- The UC Santa Barbara Men’s Basketball team, boasting a solid record of 4-1, will extend their thrilling four-game homestand this week, where they are set to host Eastern Washington and Mississippi Valley State in the exciting Mountain to Sea Showcase.
LAST TIME OUT
Building on a strong start with four consecutive victories to open the 2024-25 season, the Gauchos faced their first setback in a closely contested clash against UTEP in the Thunderdome on Wednesday night. Taking an early lead, UTEP maintained their advantage throughout the game.
Despite a valiant effort by Santa Barbara in the final moments, they fell short, culminating in a narrow defeat with a final score of 79-76. Kenny Pohto stood out as the star of the night for the Gauchos, securing his second consecutive double-double with impressive stats, including 21 points and 10 rebounds. His contributions also included two assists, a steal, and a block, highlighting his well-rounded game on both ends of the court.
LOOKING AT THE GAUCHOS
UC Santa Barbara remains a formidable offensive powerhouse, averaging a remarkable 84.2 points per game. They currently rank 30th in the NCAA for field goal percentage and 35th for three-point shooting percentage. Furthermore, they excel in rebounding, boasting a remarkable margin of plus-11 rebounds per game, placing them 24th nationally.
Several key players are making significant contributions, with four Gauchos averaging double figures in scoring. Jason Fontenent II leads with an impressive 15.8 points per game, while Kenny Pohto adds 12.2 points, followed closely by Stephan Swenson at 11.6 and Deuce Turner with 10.2 points per game.
Jason Fontenent II not only leads the scoring but is also an integral part of the team’s defensive strategy, leading in defensive rebounds with an average of 5.4 per game. Additionally, Stephan Swenson excels in both steals and assists, contributing averages of 1.6 steals and a remarkable 4.6 assists per game, showcasing his all-around skill set. From beyond the arc, Cole Anderson‘s shooting prowess stands out, as he boasts an impressive 56.5 percent from three-point range this season.
EVALUATING THE EAGLES
Eastern Washington, struggling this season with a record of 1-5, will be looking to turn their fortunes around. Their lone victory came against Seattle University three weeks ago. Despite their offensive woes, the Eagles have shown tenacity on defense, currently ranked 25th nationally in steals.
Nic McClain is the driving force for the Eagles, leading nearly all offensive and defensive categories. The redshirt junior is making a significant impact, averaging 17.8 points per game while also ranking fifth nationally with an impressive average of 3.33 steals per game. Additionally, he leads the team in total field goals made and assists, showcasing his diverse skill set.
Providing offensive support is Andrew Cook, whose shooting accuracy is exemplary, boasting a field goal percentage of 61.7. The senior guard closely follows McClain in scoring, averaging 16.7 points per game, indicating a solid two-man offensive threat for the Eagles.
DEDUCING THE DELTA DEVILS
Mississippi Valley State is currently reeling from a loss they sustained at BYU last Saturday, which brings their record to 1-5. Their most recent victory came against the Mississippi University for Women on November 7, and they are eager to break a four-game losing streak as they face their first opponent in the Mountain to Sea Showcase, Utah, on Tuesday.
With an average of just 49.5 points per game, the Delta Devils are struggling offensively. Much of their scoring comes from Donovan Sanders, who averages 9.8 points and adds a modest 2.5 assists per game, also contributing 4.2 rebounds to the team’s efforts.
Alvin Stredic closely trails behind, averaging 7.3 points, while leading the team in rebounds with a total of 32 and steals with eight throughout the season. Additionally, Antonio Sisk has been a steady contributor, boasting a 47.06 field goal percentage, along with the second-most steals on the team, collecting six thus far.
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
In conjunction with the Santa Barbara Food Bank, UC Santa Barbara encourages fans to bring non-perishable food items for donation during Tuesday’s game as part of their Holiday Food Drive. As a token of appreciation, fans will receive a complimentary voucher for an upcoming UC Santa Barbara men’s and women’s basketball game in exchange for their generous contributions.
FOLLOW ALONG
The highly anticipated matchup between the Gauchos and Eagles is slated to tip off at 7 p.m. inside The Thunderdome on Tuesday, November 26. Following that, the Gauchos are set to face the Delta Devils in another exciting game, also starting at 7 p.m. in the Thunderdome on Friday, November 29. For fans unable to attend in person, both games will be available for live streaming on ESPN+.
What strategies can the Gauchos implement to improve their scoring average and break their losing streak?
Ith their record stuck at 1-5. Their only win this season came against Mississippi University for Women, leaving their performances feeling a bit lackluster. Averaging only 49.5 points per game, it’s fair to say they’ve been struggling to find their groove, resembling more of a casual pickup game than a competitive collegiate basketball team.
Top scorer Donovan Sanders manages 9.8 points per game, but with inconsistent scoring like that, it’s clear this team could use a boost. Alvin Stredic is also contributing with 7.3 points and pulls down rebounds, but collectively, their efforts haven’t been enough to turn the tide. Breaking a four-game losing streak should be their immediate goal, or they might find themselves in dire need of some serious motivation—maybe even a new game plan!
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
The excitement doesn’t stop there. UCSB is hosting a Holiday Food Drive! Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the games. As a reward, you’ll receive a complimentary voucher for another game. It’s a fantastic way to support the community while enjoying some thrilling basketball—definitely a win-win. Remember, every little bit helps, so bring those canned goods and help spread some holiday cheer!
FOLLOW ALONG
The Gauchos are set to square off against the Eagles at 7 p.m. on November 26 at The Thunderdome. Can’t make it to the game? Don’t sweat it! You can catch all the action live on ESPN+. It promises to be an entertaining showdown full of heart, hustle, and perhaps some unexpected twists. Remember, these athletes are not just players—they’re heroes in jerseys, ready to put on a show!
So, grab your snacks, get those jerseys on, and prepare yourself for an exciting night of college basketball that promises both action and drama at The Thunderdome. Let’s go, Gauchos!
