SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP)—James Nunnally scored 15 points to lead UC Santa Barbara over UC Riverside 66-53 Thursday.
The Gauchos (14-14, 7-8 Big West) were 10 of 20 from beyond the arc, including 3 of 3 from Nunnally. D.J. Posley added 11 points.
Kyle Austin scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half for Riverside (16-12, 7-8), and Javon Borum added 13.
Santa Barbara shot 53 percent, hit eight 3s and forced 11 turnovers in the first half to take a 42-24 halftime lead.
The Highlanders, behind the shooting of Austin, got as close as 52-46 with 8:30 to play. The Gauchos responded with back-to-back 3-point plays by Jaime Serna and two straight baskets by Posley to go up 62-47.
Updated Friday, Mar 6, 2009
