Gauchos Win Resorts World Las Vegas Classic Championship, Defeat Seattle 74-71
LAS VEGAS – The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos secured the inaugural Resorts world Las Vegas Classic Championship on Sunday, defeating the Seattle Redhawks 74-71 in a back-and-forth contest. The victory improves the Gauchos’ record to 6-2 as they head into conference play.
The game saw multiple lead changes, with Seattle opening the second half on an 11-2 run to regain the lead for the first time since the first half’s 10-minute mark, going up 45-38. Though, the Gauchos battled back, fueled by offensive rebounding and clutch shooting.
A surge from Gaucho guard sensley helped Santa Barbara regain the lead in the first half,contributing to a total of eight three-pointers made by the team – a significant increase from their average of nine in the previous two games. A three-point play by CJ Shaw and Sensley’s late three-pointer at the end of the shot clock tied the game at 50 apiece. Following that, a layup by Colin Smith put the Gauchos ahead as part of a 7-1 run.
In the final minutes, the Gauchos maintained a lead between three and five points, sealing the win with key free throw shooting, finishing 50-for-57 (88 percent) from the charity stripe for the weekend.
The Gauchos’ defense proved crucial, holding Seattle – ranked 11th nationally in three-point shooting at 42.1 percent – to just 27 percent from beyond the arc and only three made three-pointers.
Miro Little contributed to the Gauchos’ success at the free throw line, making 18 consecutive free throws dating back to the Nevada game. UC santa Barbara also recorded 13 offensive rebounds, continuing a streak of double-digit offensive boards in eight consecutive games.
UC Santa Barbara will return home to host Long Beach State on Thursday,December 4,at 6 p.m. in The thunderdome. Fans are encouraged to wear blue for the Gauchos Blue Out. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with live stats available.
