NCAA News: UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Off to a Hot Start
Big West Standings
The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos men's basketball team is off to a hot start in the 2022-23 season, currently sitting atop the Big West Conference standings with a 6-1 record. The Gauchos have won their last four games, including a big win over rival Cal Poly on Saturday night.
UCSB is led by senior guard Ajay Mitchell, who is averaging 18.3 points per game. Mitchell is a preseason All-Big West selection and is one of the most dangerous shooters in the conference. He is shooting 45.5% from three-point range this season.
In addition to Mitchell, the Gauchos have a number of other talented players, including senior forward Miles Norris, junior guard Devearl Ramsey, and sophomore forward Josh Pierre-Louis. Norris is a physical presence inside, while Ramsey is a dynamic playmaker and Pierre-Louis is a versatile wing.
Gauchos' Success
The Gauchos' success this season is due to a number of factors, including their strong defense and their ability to shoot the ball well. UCSB is holding opponents to just 63.7 points per game, which is second in the Big West. The Gauchos are also shooting 46.5% from the field, which is first in the conference.
UCSB's hot start has put them in a good position to win the Big West regular season title and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The Gauchos have a tough schedule remaining, but they have shown that they are capable of competing with anyone in the conference.
UCSB is back in action on Thursday night when they host Cal State Northridge. The Gauchos will be looking to extend their winning streak to five games and continue their push towards the Big West title.
Conclusion
The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos men's basketball team is off to a hot start in the 2022-23 season. The Gauchos are currently atop the Big West Conference standings and are looking to win their first regular season title since 2010. UCSB has a number of talented players, including senior guard Ajay Mitchell, who is one of the most dangerous shooters in the conference. The Gauchos are also playing well defensively and are holding opponents to just 63.7 points per game. UCSB is back in action on Thursday night when they host Cal State Northridge.