PHOTO GALLERY: No. 1 USC at UCSB Men’s Water Polo

PHOTO GALLERY INTRO: USC’s No. 1-ranked men’s water polo team shook off UCSB on Sunday in Santa Barbara as the Trojans buckled down in the second half to dispose the Gauchos 16-10.

The Gauchos, ranked No. 6 in the country, became only the second team to score at least 10 goals against the Trojans this year. USC improves to 20-1 while UCSB is 15-6.

USC, the five-time defending national champion, has now defeated Santa Barbara 46 times in a row. Find video highlights and post-game interviews HERE

While Nikola Vavic recently became USC’s all-time leading scorer, it was Connor Virjee who led the Trojans in scoring with a game-high five goals. It was a season high for Virjee.

UCSB Men's Water Polo

UCSB’s Kevin Cappon, a transfer from USC, was the Gauchos’ leading scorer on Sunday against his former team.

UCSB's Kevin Cappon pressures USC's Kostas Genindounias

UCSB’s Kevin Cappon pressures USC’s Connor Virjee on a shot attempt. The 16 goals were easily the most given up by the Gauchos this season.

UCSB's Kevin Cappon and USC's Nick Bell

UCSB’s Kevin Cappon and USC’s Nick Bell face off against each other. Cappon and Eric Van de Mortel shared the team-high with four goals each.

USC's Kostas Genidounias and UCSB's Eric Van de Mortel meet for a jump ball to start the second half

USC’s Kostas Genidounias and UCSB’s Eric Van de Mortel meet for a jump ball to start the second half

UCSB vs USC men's water polo

USC’s Jeremy Davie scored the game’s first goal as the Trojans opened up an early 3-0 lead. The two teams kept the scorekeeper busy during the first quarter, combining to score 10 goals in the first frame.

UCSB vs USC Men's water polo

On the defensive end, Mac Carden keeps a close eye on UCSB’s Kevin Cappon. Both teams’ defenses allowed well over their season averages for goals against.

UCSB vs USC men's water polo

USC head coach Jovan Vavic talks to his team during a timeout. Vavic is 440-65 as the Trojan head coach.

UCSB water polo vs USC Trojans

UCSB’s Matt Gronow and goalie Chris Whitelegge block the obvious angles for USC’s Kostas Genindounias

UCSB water polo vs. USC Trojans

USC’s defense allows the fewest goals per game of any MPSF team.

UCSB men's water polo vs. No. 1 USC Trojans

USC’s Kostas Genindounias added three goals to his season total of 56, two behind team leader Nikola Vavic.