Men’s Basketball Completes Week Sweep, Beats Bakersfield 81–79

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The SBCC Men's Basketball team capped off a perfect week at UCSB's Robertson Gym, edging Bakersfield College 81–79 on Friday night to climb above .500 for the first time this season. Coming off an 80–67 win over preseason No. 25 Santa Monica on Wednesday, the Vaqueros (3–2) knew they would be tested by a battle-hardened Renegades squad.

"Bakersfield is a well-coached team with great balance inside and out," said head coach Devin Engebretsen. "We knew we would have to play well and contain their perimeter play and their big-combo of Henderson and Brooks."

SBCC employed a full-court press throughout the night to disrupt Bakersfield's backcourt, but the Renegades' forward duo proved every bit as dangerous as advertised. Henderson and Brooks combined for 45 points and 22 rebounds, with Henderson posting a dominant 35 points and 13 rebounds—including seven on the offensive glass.

"Henderson is a heck of a player, clearly suited for the next level," Engebretsen added. "I have to credit our guards and bench, though. They kept us in the game the entire night."

Despite Bakersfield's firepower, SBCC never trailed in the second half. The Renegades cut the margin to a single point several times, but the Vaqueros consistently responded with timely execution on both ends of the court.

Freshman guard Mason Thomas delivered one of the biggest plays of the night; his corner three with 3:46 remaining pushed the lead to 75–71 and energized the home crowd. Thomas came off the bench to lead SBCC with 15 points.

Freshman Saul Anaya also made a major impact with relentless defensive pressure, finishing with three steals, two assists, and three points in just 11 minutes.

"Saul stepped up huge for us tonight," Engebretsen said. "He hadn't been playing a ton of minutes up to this point, but he stayed ready and answered the bell. Great defensive pressure, huge steals, and some great passes by him."

In the closing minutes, freshman Jack Berry sealed the victory with back-to-back layups, finishing with 11 points and five rebounds. Sophomore James Reach added another all-around performance, contributing nine points, six assists, four steals, and two rebounds.

With the win, SBCC improves to 3–2 and completes a successful two-game home stand. The Vaqueros now travel to Ridgecrest on Saturday, November 22, to take on Cerro Coso College at 2 p.m.