SAN DIEGO — An impressive performance by Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, who scored 25 points, propelled the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) to a 77-63 victory over the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) on Thursday evening.

Tait-Jones was efficient throughout the game, making 9 of his 12 shots, including 3 out of 5 from three-point range, and converting 4 of 5 free-throw attempts. Additionally, teammate Hayden Gray contributed 15 points, shooting 5 of 12 from the floor and also hitting 3 of 5 triples. Nordin Kapic added 12 points to the Tritons’ total with a shooting line of 4 for 11 from the field, which included making 1 of 5 from long distance. Kapic also managed to convert 3 of 4 from the charity stripe.

On the other side, Deuce Turner emerged as the leading scorer for the Gauchos, notching 16 points. UCSB also saw contributions from Stephan Swenson, who compiled 10 points, six rebounds, and two steals, while Kenny Pohto rounded out their scoring with nine points and eight rebounds.

Looking ahead, both UCSD and UCSB are set to take the court again on Saturday. The Tritons will host California State University, Northridge, while the Gauchos will make their way to California State University, Fullerton.