SBCC Bests Santa Monica for First Rob Gym Win

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara City College men's basketball earned its first win at Robertson Gym on Wednesday with an 80-67 victory over preseason No. 25 Santa Monica.

With only two days of preparation after a tough road loss at Antelope Valley, the Vaqueros were eager to rebound and even their record at 2–2. Head coach Devin Engebretsen emphasized the importance of the matchup, and the team responded with one of its most complete performances of the young season.

"We felt this was a really big game for us," Engebretsen said. "After Friday's lackluster game, we challenged the guys to respond as athletes and collegiate basketball players—to play harder than they think they can. I feel we accomplished that feat."

The Vaqueros wasted no time seizing control, jumping out to an 8–2 lead and never trailing at any point during the game. They led 45–31 at halftime, thanks in large part to exceptional bench production. SBCC's reserves outscored the Corsairs 26–12 in the opening frame, highlighted by freshmen Dominic Bonafede (six points) and Jayden Fajardo (five points), who provided an early spark.

"Our bench really stepped up in the first half," Engebretsen said. "Scoring 45 points with 26 coming from the bench is huge for us."

Santa Monica showed its ranking-worthy resilience early in the second half, opening with a 13–2 run over the first four minutes to pull within striking distance. But every time Santa Monica threatened, SBCC answered with timely shot-making. Freshman Brycen Matthews knocked down a key three-pointer, followed by additional threes from sophomores Dante Calhoun and Finn Whipps, helping the Vaqueros restore momentum.

SBCC pushed the lead back to 13 with 6:30 remaining and never allowed the Corsairs to close within single digits again, controlling the game down the stretch to secure a decisive double-digit victory.

Matthews led the Vaqs' offensive attack with 15 points, shooting 7-of-12 from the field.

James Reach led the rebounding efforts with 8 boards, while he and Matthews each dished out 4 assists.

Calhoun paced the bench with 12 points while Jesse Ybarra recorded 4 steals.

The aggressive defense from the Vaqueros was on display from the start, picking up the Corsairs in a press to win the turnover battle 22-13. With that defensive pressure, SBCC did find itself in early foul trouble in each half, picking up 22 fouls compared to Santa Monica's 14.

The Vaqueros return to Robertson Gym on Friday to host Bakersfield at 5 p.m.