UC San Diego defeated UC Santa Barbara 69-51 in the Big West semifinals, led by Big West Player of the Year Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, who scored 20 points and contributed eight rebounds and nine assists. This victory marked the Tritons’ 14th consecutive win, securing their place in the Big West Championship in just their first year of Division I postseason eligibility. Despite trailing at halftime, UC San Diego dominated the second half, outscoring UCSB significantly. The Tritons’ impressive performance included a strong free-throw shooting display, especially in the latter half of the game.
By the Numbers
- UC San Diego achieved their 14th straight win, improving to 29-4 this season.
- UCSD had a free throw shooting percentage of 91.7% in the second half, making 11 of 12 attempts.
State of Play
- UC San Diego will compete for the Big West title on March 15 against the winner of UC Irvine vs. Cal Poly.
- The Tritons last trailed at halftime on January 30, marking a significant comeback in this game.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, UC San Diego aims to secure their first Big West Championship title on Saturday night, a pivotal moment as they continue their transition to Division I basketball.
Bottom Line
UC San Diego’s blend of strong teamwork, leadership from Tait-Jones, and efficient plays positions them as a formidable contender for the Big West Championship, setting a promising tone for their future in Division I.
