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SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Kennedy Koehler scored six straight points for UC Davis, in Saturday's Big West Conference game at the Thunderdome, to bring his team within four with 2:53 remaining. Unfortunately for the Aggies, the Gauchos pulled away from UC Davis, from that point until the final buzzer, to record a 70-56 victory.
 
Entering Saturday's matchup, UC Davis won its last four in a row and the last three head-to-head games in Santa Barbara. Since the Aggies have a bye on Thursday, they will return to action on Bob Hamilton Court on Feb. 29, versus Long Beach State, with a 13-16 overall and 7-6 league record.

"Overall, I thought we played hard," said head coach Jim Les. "But over the course of 40 minutes, we did not execute, or played smart enough to beat a good team on the road.
 
"I loved our effort, I loved our competitiveness, we just need to play smarter and execute better, especially on the road."
 
UC Santa Barbara will continue its season at 18-9 and 7-5.
 
UC Davis enjoyed a strong start, thanks to its trademark defense, which forced the Gauchos to turn the ball over on each of its first three possessions. On the other end of the court, it scored seven straight and led 10-2 early in the game.
 
"I liked our start, especially on defense when our aggressiveness led to good offense," said Les.
 
The Gauchos responded with a 6-0 run of their own, which led to a five-point lead at halftime. Once action resumed, the Aggies remained within striking distance until a layup from Damion Squire gave his team the lead with 10:14 left to play. On the ensuing possession, UCSB's Max Heidegger hit a three to regain the advantage — one the Gauchos held for the rest of the night.
 
"We took some quick shots, which led to transition baskets for them, which helped their offense find a rhythm," Les added.
 
UC Davis arrived to Santa Barbara with wins in four of their last five played, and will end the regular season with the Pavilion hosting two of their final three games. Following next Saturday's matchup vs. The Beach, the Ags will end their home schedule on March 5 when Hawai'i visits on Senior Night.
 
Two days later, men's basketball will travel to UC Riverside for its regular season finale.

 
 
TOGETHER, WE CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING
Directly impact the lives of potential, and current UC Davis basketball student-athletes, by joining the Aggie Round Table.
 
With support from this select group of insiders, the men's basketball program can expand its recruiting efforts to find prospects who will thrive at the fifth-ranked public school in the nation, compete at a championship level and represent the University in a first-class manner as one of its ambassadors. 
 
Contact Liz Martin (Assistant Athletics Director, Leadership Giving & Alumni Engagement) at (530) 574-8623 or emartin@ucdavis.edu to find out how you can join this exclusive club!