UCSB’s T.J. Taylor guards Jason Logan of The Master’s College in the second half. The Gauchos racked up six blocks and five steals on defense. (James Crosby Photos)
Freshman Taran Brown and sophomore Alan Williams each recorded a double-double as UCSB defeated The Master’s College, 80-60, on Saturday night at the Thunderdome.
Brown had 20 points, 18 in the second half, and a career-high 13 rebounds while Williams added 17 points and 12 boards. It was Brown’s first career double-double and the fourth for Williams.
The Gauchos held a 47-40 lead with 17:00 minutes to play before going on a 21-7 run to take a commanding 68-47 edge with 7:34 left. Brown had 11 points and made three 3-pointers during the run.
“Taran needs to be one of the guys who scores for us,” said UCSB head coach Bob Williams. “He is so explosive and when he gets on a roll he can score in so many ways. After the last game (at Illinois State) we talked about him rebounding the ball more and he did a great job in that way tonight too.”
The NAIA Mustangs got the lead back down to 17 but could pull no closer. When senior Nate Garth made a long 3-pointer from straight away, the lead ballooned to 80-54 with just under two minutes to play.
The Master’s trailed 39-30 at half and stayed in the game by making six 3-point baskets. Leif Karlberg, who finished with 19 points and five three-pointers, made 4-of-6, in the first 20 minutes. Devin Dyer, who had 16 points, made both of his threes during the first half.
UCSB had five players in double-figures. Joining Brown and Williams were guards Nate Garth (12), Kyle Boswell (11) and T.J. Taylor. Garth also had seven assists and no turnovers from his point guard spot, while Boswell made three 3-pointers.
“Nate and T.J. combined for 22 points, 10 assists and just one turnover,” Williams said. “That was a very efficient game for them. They made good passes and took good shots and that’s exactly what we need.”
UCSB pounded The Master’s on the boards by a margin of 50-31 and outshot the Mustangs 45.5% to 38.1%. After making 6-of-14 shots from three-point territory in the first half, the visitors made just 1-of-12 in the second 20 minutes.
The Gauchos remain at home and will host the University of San Diego on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Thunderdome.
Freshman Taran Brown drives through the Master’s defense for a fast break layup in the first half. Brown lead the Gauchos with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
Alan Williams drives between the Master’s defense and makes a layup in the second half. Williams finished the game with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks.
