Big West foes will collide when the Cal State Northridge Matadors (10-17) play the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (13-12) at Matadome. Action begins at 10:30 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 25.
The Matadors enter this game hoping for similar success after topping Cal Poly 75-71 in their last matchup. Jerron Wilbut was the team’s leading scorer with 18 points on 5-for-12 shooting. The Gauchos, meanwhile, are coming off a 62-55 win against UC Davis in their last game. Michael Bryson played well for UC Santa Barbara, accounting for eight points, seven rebounds, and three steals.
The physical Cal State Northridge offense might be getting to the charity stripe a lot in this one. It ranks 34th in the nation at getting to the line (FTA rate of 43.3), while UC Santa Barbara is among the nation’s most foul-prone teams (giving up a 288th-ranked FTA rate of 41.8).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Gauchos winning the first matchup 74-61. Gabe Vincent had a standout performance in the victory, putting up 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
Notes
The Cal State Northridge Matadors average 70.8 possessions per game and 1.004 points per possession, while the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos earn fewer possessions (68.4) but more points per possession (1.021).
The Cal State Northridge Matadors average an effective field goal percentage of 47.9% this season. The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos have a losing record of 3-7 when opponents have an eFG% of 47.9% or greater.
UC Santa Barbara ranks 72nd in assists, recording 15.1 per game. Cal State Northridge performs worse at 128th with 14.0 assists per game.
On average, Cal State Northridge makes 6.4 steals per game. UC Santa Barbara is a losing 3-5 when it gives up at least 6 steals.
