UCSB’s Alan Williams led the NCAA in rebounds per game last season.

Alan Williams recorded his second straight double-double to lead four UCSB players in double figures, but it wasn’t enough to beat Florida Gulf Coast on Monday night.

FGCU went on a 9-3 run in overtime and beat the Gauchos, 81-75. Williams led UCSB with 29 points and 16 rebounds. John Green scored a career-high 17 points and Michael Bryson and Gabe Vincent had 12 apiece for the Gauchos (0-2)

Trailing 32-28 at halftime, the Gauchos used a 7-2 run to stay close and Williams tied it at 64 at the end of regulation with two free throws. With the score tied at 68-68 with 3:12 remaining, FGCU reeled off six straight points to claim a 74-68 edge with 1:01 on the clock.

Vincent knocked-down a three-pointer from the left wing to close the gap to 74-71 with 58 seconds left, but FGCU then stretched the advantage back to 77-71 at the 49-second mark.

Williams pulled UCSB within 77-73 when he made a lay-up with 31 seconds remaining and Eric Childress made 1-of-2 free throws four second later, making it 77-74 with 27 ticks left. But the Gauchos would get no closer.

“This was a very good basketball game,” said Gauchos’ head coach Bob Williams. “I wish we could have knocked-down some of our open threes, and ultimately we will, but tonight we had to scrap for everything we got. That’s a good basketball team (FGCU) over there, they’re favored to win their league and there is a reason for that.”

For the full story, see presidiosports.com

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.