2/9/08: UCSB vs. Irvine

UCSB Gauchos (17-5, 6-3) vs. UCI Anteaters (8-13, 4-5)
February 9, 2008, 7:00 p.m. (PST)

Note: This game will be on Fox Sports PRIME network. For those of you students who read this blog, get out to the 'Dome tonight, make some noise, tell your buddies and get on TV. We want the 'Dome to be rockin' so that more games will be televised in the future.



Tonight, UCSB looks to extend their three game winning streak against the Anteaters. For those of you who don't recall, UCSB lost 66-63 last time they faced the Anteaters. The Gauchos had one of their five worst defensive efficiency performances in that matchup.

However, on Thursday night, the Gauchos came out with a nice victory. They had their best offensive game, from an efficiency standpoint. Be wary, though, because the Gauchos also had their second worst defensive game from an efficiency standpoint (only UNC was worse). Yet, it's always a good thing when you have a bad defensive night, and pull out with the win.

Shooting Percentages

UCSB: 45.9%
UCI: 44.9%

Free Throws

UCSB: 308-395, 78%
UCI: 254-348, 73%

Offensive Rebounding:

UCSB: 9.2
UCI: 8.2

Turnovers

UCSB: 15.1/game; opponent 18.3/game
UCI: 12.8/game; opponent 15.6/game

Don't be fooled by these stats. UCI plays one of the slowest paces in the nation, while UCSB is right around the middle. What does that mean? UCI is probably a better offensive rebounding team and is pretty proficient at getting to the line.

UCSB is going to have get away from their chameleon role that they've taken on this season. They need to impose their tempo and style upon the Anteaters. Clearly, UCI won't be able to hang with the Gauchos if they get to an up-tempo pace.

Irvine wants to shoot the three just like the Gauchos. The Gauchos need to give UCI the three point shot all day long. They need to grab the defensive rebounds and push the ball up the court and find the open shooter in transition.

The key is building on Thursday's performance from an offensive standpoint and improving defensively. I think this game is going to be closer than it should be. If UCSB can get 70 possessions this game, it's a blowout. If they stay close to 60, they pull off the victory by no more than 5 points. Go Gauchos