DAVIS, Calif. – UC Davis (14-13, 10-7 Big West) heads into the final week of the regular season with a pair of games in Southern California. The Aggies will face two of the top-three teams in the Big West, taking on UC Santa Barbara (19-9, 12-6 Big West) on March 2 before concluding their conference schedule on March 4 at Long Beach State (21-7, 16-2 Big West).
UC Davis has locked up a top-six seed in the Big West Tournament and will hope to improve its position before the year-end tournament begins next week.
Game 28: at UC Santa Barbara
Where: Santa Barbara, Calif. (The Thunderdome)
When: March 2
nd, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m. PT
Watch:
ESPN+
How to Listen:
The Varsity Network
Live Stats
Game 29: at Long Beach State
Where: Long Beach, Calif. (University Credit Union Center)
When: March 4
th, 2023
Time: 2:00 p.m. PT
Watch:
ESPN+
How to Listen:
The Varsity Network
Live Stats
LAST TIME OUT
UC Davis picked up a pair of wins to solidify a top-six seed in the Big West Tournament. The Aggies downed UC San Diego and Cal Poly, but fell to Cal State State Fullerton on Feb. 23.
Evanne Turner and
Tova Sabel combined for 44 points in UC Davis' statement 72-49 road victory over UC San Diego to leapfrog the Tritons in the Big West standings.
In the most recent contest against Cal Poly, the Aggies sent the fans home happy on Senior Day by using a huge first-half performance to earn the 70-56 win. Sabel racked up a game-high 17 points despite not scoring in the in the second half. The junior went 5-of-9 on the day, with all her shot attempts coming from beyond the arc.
SERIES HISTORY
The Aggies and Gauchos will meet for the 57th time, with UC Davis holding a 36-20 lead in the all-time series. UC Santa Barbara earned a 77-64 win over the Aggies on Feb. 11.
UC Davis holds a narrow 21-20 series lead against Long Beach State as the teams square off for the 42nd time in their history. The Aggies fell to The Beach 66-45 on Jan. 28.
ABOUT THE OPPONENTS
UC Santa Barbara occupies third place in the conference standings, bringing a 19-9 (12-6 Big West) record into Thursday's contest. The Gauchos have won three of their last four games, suffering a 66-63 defeat to Long Beach State in the one loss. Alexis Tucker leads the team with 13.6 ppg, which is fifth-best in the conference, pacing a UC Santa Barbara team that ranks first in scoring offense at 67.3 ppg. Led by Ila Lane with 8.5 rebounds-per-game, the Gauchos are second in the Big West for rebounding, grabbing 37.2 boards-per-game
Long Beach State has arguably been the hottest team in the country, winning 14 straight games to ascend to the top of the Big West standings. The Beach boasts the second-best defense in the conference, allowing 56.9 ppg. Tori Harris leads Long Beach State offensively with 13.6 ppg and reigning Big West Player of the Week Ma'Qhi Berry leads the conference with 111 total assists (4.4 apg).
THE SPECTACULAR SWEDE
Tova Sabel was on a tear in the month of February, averaging 18.7 points-per-game on 52.7% shooting and 45.5% from long range. Sabel has posted three 20+ point performances, including a career-high 31 points against Cal State Fullerton on Feb. 23.
TURNER MAKES HISTORY…AGAIN
Evanne Turner ascended to No. 15 on the UC Davis all-time scoring list. With 1,128 points for her career, Turner is just nine points away from climbling the ladder yet again and catching Colleen Turnbull (1999-03) who is ranked 14th all-time.
NEXT UP
The Aggies look toward the Big West Tournament set to begin on March 7 in Henderson, Nev. After seedings are arranged, UC Davis' first contest will take place on March 8 inside the Dollar Loan Center.
