Santa Barbara – The UCSB Gauchos men’s basketball squad delivered a historic shooting performance on Tuesday night, tying the program’s record for three‑point makes. The team knocked down 18 of 29 attempts from long range in a 90‑67 triumph over the Oakland Grizzlies at the on‑campus arena.
Balanced scoring and sharpshooting
Eight different Gauchos found the net from beyond the arc, underscoring the depth of the roster’s perimeter talent. Bench player Viljami Vartiainen led all scorers with a game‑high 20 points, converting five of his nine three‑point tries. Senior guard Aidan Mahaney was equally efficient, hitting four of five attempts and adding 16 points. C.J. Shaw contributed 14 points on a 2‑for‑4 three‑point effort.
The Gauchos’ overall shooting efficiency was impressive, finishing 18‑for‑29 from three‑point range (62.1%). The team’s ball movement was evident in the 25 assists recorded, while the defense outrebounded the Grizzlies by ten boards.
Coach Pasternack praises execution
Head coach Joe Pasternack praised his squad’s discipline and teamwork. “We really competed hard and shared the ball,” Pasternack said. “Our guys followed the game plan and executed well.” The comment highlights the coaching staff’s emphasis on unselfish play and adherence to the offensive system.
Oakland, entering the game with a 0‑3 record in the series, struggled to contain the Gauchos’ perimeter attack. The Grizzlies managed only nine three‑point attempts, missing all but a handful, and were unable to match UCSB’s rebounding advantage.
Implications for the season
Matching the three‑point record signals a potent offensive weapon for the Gauchos as they continue their conference schedule. Consistent long‑range shooting can stretch defenses and open driving lanes, a strategy that coach Pasternack has emphasized throughout the season.
UCSB remains a contender in the Big West, and the performance against Oakland adds confidence to the roster heading into upcoming matchups. Fans can look forward to more high‑scoring displays as the team seeks to improve its standing in the league.
Looking ahead
The Gauchos return to the court next week for a conference clash that will test their defensive resilience as much as their shooting prowess. With the three‑point record now tied, the focus will shift to maintaining consistency and translating hot shooting nights into wins against tougher opponents.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
