Thrilling Finish for UC Santa Barbara Against UC Riverside

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — In a nail-biting conclusion, Stephan D. Swenson sank a 3-pointer as time expired, leading UC Santa Barbara to a thrilling 66-63 win over UC Riverside on Thursday night.

The Gauchos showcased impressive performances, with Cole Anderson contributing significantly by making four 3-pointers and finishing the game with 18 points. Swenson also had a substantial impact by scoring 16 points, collecting eight rebounds, and securing three steals, demonstrating his versatility on the court by successfully shooting 4 out of 7 from beyond the arc. Additionally, Kenny Pohto supported the team with a reliable output of 13 points and six rebounds.

For the Highlanders, who faced the defeat, Barrington Hargress emerged as the standout player, recording 18 points and dishing out eight assists. Nate Pickens followed closely with 15 points, while Joel Armotradin added eight points to the team’s tally. In a dramatic moment, Hargress netted a 3-pointer with just eight seconds remaining in regulation, momentarily tying the game at 63 before UC Santa Barbara’s last-ditch effort clinched the victory.

This win boosts UC Santa Barbara’s record to 12-5 overall and 4-2 in the Big West Conference, while UC Riverside falls to 10-8 and 3-3 in the conference standings. The competitiveness of both teams in this matchup highlights the excitement of conference play, as each game carries significant weight in the standings.