Davis, Calif. — A chippy battle Saturday night, saw the UC Davis Men's Basketball Team drop their road game to the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos by a score of 84-74.
UC Davis moves to 14-11 overall, and 7-6 in Big West Play. A rough road trip that saw the Aggies drop both of their contests this week, frustrations seemed to reach a tipping point tonight against the Gauchos with a skirmish breaking out late, resulting in an ejections on both sides, as UC Davis had to see their starting point guard get the call for an early exit.
Despite the late game drama, Elijah Pepper was once again the heartbeat of the UC Davis offense, recording his second consecutive 30+ point game and fifth straight game with 28+ points. He was able to so tonight by getting downhill, and consistently putting himself in advantageous situations on the break, finishing an efficient 12-19 from the field. He raises his season scoring average to 21.3 points per game and has now accumulated 1,416 total points in his career, moving him to seventh all-time among Aggie career leaders.
The Aggies had the support of three other players reaching double figures in tonight's contest with Kane Milling (13 PTS, 5 AST), Christian Anigwe (10 PTS, 8 REB) and Ty Johnson (10 PTS) all chipping in.
While UC Davis had four different members reach double figures, inefficiency coupled with a hot shooting display from the opposing Gauchos were too much to handle. The Aggies finished the game 25-58 from the field (43.1%) compared to UC Santa Barbara who shot a blazing 33-54 (61.1%).
Led by Big West Player of the Year candidate Ajay Mitchell who poured in a smooth 24 on a 9-13 night from the field, it seemed like the Gauchos were clicking on all cylinders on the offensive end of the court. Entering the contest as the 14th ranked team nationally in field goal percentage, it was once again a display of why the Gauchos sit atop the Big West Standings.
While the Aggies were able to generate points from the line tonight, (20-23 FT's) the slow start from behind the arc (1-8 3PT FG in first half) and losing the battle on the glass were problems that stood out tonight for the squad. The Aggies drop to 2-8 in games they have been out rebounded.
GAME NOTES
- Elijah Pepper posted a game-high 30 points.
- Leo DeBruhl had a game-high and career-high, three steals.
- Christian Anigwe led the Aggies tonight with eight rebounds.
- Finding success with some extra possessions, the Aggies had 13 second chance points.
- The Aggies shot 4-16 from three point range (25%).
- UC Davis hauled in 27 rebounds, and had nine steals.
UP NEXT
Looking to regroup following Super Bowl Sunday Weekend, the Aggies will back in action on Wednesday as they are set to host CSUN on Feb. 15, at 6 P.M.
