What's Happening?
The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos basketball team secured a narrow victory over Long Beach State with a final score of 74-71. The game, held on January 24, 2026, saw Aidan Mahaney leading the Gauchos with 21 points, shooting 8 of 13 from the field and 3 of 5 from the three-point range. Colin Smith and CJ Shaw also contributed significantly, each scoring 11 points. On the opposing side, Long Beach State's Petar Majstorovic matched Mahaney's performance with 21 points, alongside six rebounds and two steals. Isaiah Lewis added 16 points for Long Beach State, while Shaquil Bender contributed 15 points.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos as it strengthens their position in the Big West Conference, improving their record to 13-7
overall and 6-3 in the conference. The win highlights the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, which could boost their confidence in upcoming games. For Long Beach State, the loss marks a setback, dropping their record to 8-13 overall and 4-5 in the conference. The performance of key players like Mahaney and Majstorovic could influence future scouting and recruitment decisions, impacting the teams' strategies moving forward.
