Gauchos Get Payback on FGCU

Alan Williams scored 22 points with 13 rebounds and UC Santa Barbara handled Florida Gulf Coast 63-50 on Monday.

Michael Bryson and John Green added 11 points apiece for UCSB, which is 5-1 at home.

The Gauchos (7-7) never trailed in the first half and closed on an 8-2 run – including a jumper and layup by Gabe Vincent on consecutive possessions – to lead 30-19 at the break. FGCU shot just 29 percent (7 of 24) before intermission – 2 of 8 from beyond the arc.

UCSB outscored the Eagles 10-2 to start the second half and led by 19 with a little over 16 minutes to play. FGCU (10-6) used a 9-2 run midway through the half to cut its deficit to 12 with about 6 minutes but the Gauchos held off the Eagles and cruised.

Bernard Thompson led FGCU with 16 points.

In November FGCU beat UCSB in overtime 81-75.

UCSB opens up Big West Conference play on Saturday night at rival Cal Poly.