UCSB ‘s Jesse Byrd had his best game as a Gaucho in the World Vision Invitational championship game on Sunday, but it wasn’t nearly enough to bring down host Illinois State, who improved to 7-0 with the 87-59 victory.
Byrd – the only Gaucho in double figures – posted 17 points on 8-for-12 shooting and added eight rebounds.
Osiris Eldridge and Champ Oguchi led the Redbirds, who start four gaurds, with 18 points each.
Illinois State led 25-20 before reeling off 11 straight to open up a 36-20 lead on its way to a 42-26 halftime lead.
UCSB was abysmal from long range, connecting on only 4-of-22 shots from beyond the arc. The Gauchos also failed to get to the free-throw line, managing three makes on six attempts, and allowed Illinois State to shoot 62.5 percent from the field throughout the contest.
They did take care of the ball, however, turning the ball over only 11 times. Paul Roemer led the Gauchos with five assists.
UCSB (3-4) finishes the tournament 2-1 after wins against Winston-Salem and Nicholls State. The Gauchos finish off a five-game road trip on Thursday at Utah Valley before their next home game on Dec. 13 when Loyola Marymount visits the Thunderdome.
