Vaqueros Drop Second-Half Lead, Fall to Allan Hancock 72-65

By AJ Nagbe

SANTA MARIA, Calif. — The Vaqueros Men's Basketball team dropped a second-half lead and fell to Allan Hancock 72-65 on Saturday afternoon, falling to 14-13 overall and 4-7 in Western State Conference play.

Jack Berry led Santa Barbara with 20 points and five rebounds. James Reach added 16 points, while Brycen Matthews chipped in 12 points and six rebounds. Joseph Ursich contributed nine points off the bench, and Mason Thomas added eight points. Despite the balanced effort, the Vaqueros couldn't maintain their halftime lead as Allan Hancock rose in the second half.

Santa Barbara held a 33-27 halftime advantage after a competitive first half that featured four ties and four lead changes. However, Allan Hancock took over in the second half, outscoring the Vaqueros 45-32 to pull away for the victory. The Bulldogs shot 46.7% from the field and controlled the paint with 46 points compared to SBCC's 26. Allan Hancock also converted offensive rebounds into second-chance opportunities, outscoring Santa Barbara 21-13 in that category. The Vaqueros shot 39.7% from the field and knocked down 7-of-20 three-pointers, but could not overcome the Bulldogs' second-half jump and dominance inside.

Santa Barbara (14-13, 4-7) returns home to host Cuesta for Sophomore Night on Friday, Feb. 20, at 5 p.m. at Robertson Gym.