Let the madness begin.
The UCSB men’s and women’s basketball teams play their final regular season games this weekend at the Thunderdome before heading off to Anaheim for the Big West Conference Tournament.
The teams play doubleheaders on Thursday and Saturday. On Thursday, Carlene Mitchell’s women’s team plays Long Beach State at 3 p.m. in a battle for fourth place in the standings. The Gauchos are 9-7 and the 49ers are 8-8.
The Gaucho men take the court against Cal State Fullerton at 7 p.m. Bob Williams’ club has all but locked up the No. 8 spot for the conference tournament.
On Saturday, the women play UC Irvine at 2 p.m. and the men close out the regular season against UC Riverside at 7 p.m.
OTHER EVENTS WORTH CHECKING OUT
THURSDAY
Girls Softball: Carpinteria at Bishop Diego, 3:30 p.m. — A battle between crosstown rivals. Carpinteria has an outstanding pitcher in Cat Maldonado.
FRIDAY
Prep swimming: Oaks Christian at Santa Barbara High, 2 p.m. — Dons take on one of the strongest programs from Ventura County.
Men’s volleyball – Stanford at UCSB, Rob Gym, 7 p.m. — The Gauchos have won two of their last three matches, winning at USC and UCLA.
SATURDAY
Running: Orchard to Ocean 5k, 10k/mile run, 7 a.m. registration, Carpinteria Main School — The 21st annual event has supported all public schools in the Carpinteria Unified District.
College Baseball: Hancock at SBCC, 1 p.m. — The county rivals meet in a Western State Conference game at Pershing Park.
SUNDAY
Women’s tennis: Cal State Fullerton at UCSB, 1 p.m. — The Gauchos take on the Titans in a Big West match.
MONDAY, March 11
Prep Softball: Pacifica at Dos Pueblos, 3:30 p.m. — The Chargers make their home debut.
Golf: SBCC Golf Classic, La Cumbre Country Club — A fundraiser for SBCC athletics program. 730-4976.
TUESDAY, March 12
College Baseball: Notre Dame at UCSB, 3 p.m. — The Fighting Irish make a rare visit to Caesar Uyesaka Stadium.
Boys volleyball: Valencia at San Marcos, 6 p.m. — Royals play host to a perennial CIF Division 2 power.
