Santa Barbara looking to turn things around

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Can’t imagine I was the only one surprised when Roberto Nelson-led Santa Barbara opened the season in an uninspiring manner, losing two winnable games in the first six outings. I mean, how does this happen to a team ranked among The Times’ top 25 in the preseason, a team with a player the caliber of Nelson?

Frankly, something like that shouldn’t happen. Apparently, the Dons agree, Nelson in particular. The highly-touted junior came out with vengeance Saturday night in the fifth-place game of the Clash on the Coast Tournament, scoring 45 points and adding 13 rebounds in an 82-58 victory over host Pacifica.

The road to redemption continues next week in the San Fernando Valley Invitational tournament, where a good showing by Nelson & Co. is imperative if they want to earn back some of the lost respect. It won’t be easy. There are several quality teams in the tournament field, and one has to think most are aware of the Dons’ inauspicious start.

--Sean Ceglinsky