UCSB finally plays a men’s basketball opponent at its level in Loyola Marymount. And the Gauchos get to play the Lions twice in the same week.
The first meeting between the NCAA Division 1 programs since 2010 is today (Dec. 7) at 5 p.m. at the Thunderdome. The return game is Saturday at LMU.
Due to health guidelines, spectators are not permitted at games.
Today’s game was a late addition to the UCSB schedule. A live broadcast the game is available on BigWest TV.
UCSB opened the season with a pair of routs over Southern California NAIA schools, Saint Katherine (92-55) and Bethesda (123-52).
Loyola Marymount has played three Divsion 1 opponents, Minnesota, Southern Utah State and Long Beach State. The Lions are 2-2, losing two games at Minnesota. Their most recent game was a home victory over Big West member Long Beach State, 85-61.
The Lions are led by 6-2 junior guard Joe Quintana. He scored 20 against the 49ers and knocked down six three-pointers on 11 attempts. Quintana redshirted last season.
The Lions have the size to match up against the Gauchos, who had a huge height advantage against their NAIA opponents
Loyola Marymount is coached by Stan Johnson, who spent the last five season coaching at Marquette University.
UCSB is expected to be at full strength tonight. Amadou Sow, an All-Big West Preseason Team pick, returns to the line-up after sitting out the Bethesda game with an injury.
Joe Pasternack’s Gaucho team is the deepest of his four years at the helm.
That depth will be tested this week agains the Lions.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.