Free Throws Help Put UCSB Past SDSU

The three-point shot was not enough to keep San Diego State from losing its season opener, 87-70, at UC Santa Barbara as the Gauchos made 11 of 12 free throws in the final three minutes.

Guards Josh Lowery and Tony Ross both had five three-point baskets, but it was not enough to overcome the Aztecs’ lack of an inside game. UCSB (1-1) outrebounded SDSU, 58-34.

“My big concern going in was the inside game,” said Coach Smokey Gaines. “And that’s what hurt us tonight.”

The Aztecs’ lack of an inside game was compounded when 6-8 forward Juan Espinoza, from Grossmont College and Helix High, was in constant foul trouble. Espinoza, who started Monday, played only 15 minutes and fouled out with 8:32 remaining. The Aztecs’ leading rebounders were forward Rodney Hawkins and freshman Gary Kline, with eight each.

The three-point shot kept the Aztecs in the game as SDSU trailed, 41-39, at halftime. The Aztecs made 10 of 24 three-point tries. UCSB failed to convert on seven attempts.

SDSU didn’t score for the first 3:30 of the second half, but still only trailed, 46-39.

Lowery, a sophomore, led the Aztecs with 23 points. He hit 5 of 9 from the three-point line. Ross added 17 points and was 5 of 11 from the three-point line.

“It’s tough to go on the road with a young inexperienced team,” Gaines said. “Only five of our 14 players here tonight had played Division I basketball going in. We’ve got nine new people and you could really see the inexperience tonight.

“I thought we played pretty good for 35 minutes but then they were able to make their free throws at the end to put it away.”

UCSB made 23 of 39 free throws. The Aztecs shot only 16 times from the line, making eight. The Gauchos were led by senior forward Khris Fortson’s 18 points and nine rebounds. Guard Carrick DeHart also had 18 points and junior Brian Vaughns had 13 points and 15 rebounds off the bench. Aztec guard Tracy Dildy added 11 assists for SDSU.

The Aztecs play Arizona Thursday in their home opener at 7:30 p.m. in the Sports Arena.