GAME NOTES: The Gauchos of UC Santa Barbara try to get back to .500, as they clash with the Oregon State Beavers in non-conference play at Gill Coliseum on Tuesday night.

UCSB has been a bit sporadic in the early going, losing three of the last four outings, with the lone win during the stretch being a 69-46 romp over San Diego Christian on Dec. 19. Three days later, the Gauchos went right back into the loss column when they bowed to Oregon on the road, 82-78 in overtime.

The Gauchos are now winless in four true road games, although they have managed to win a pair of decisions on neutral floors.

Meanwhile, the Beavers are closing out their non-conference schedule with UCSB, and are hoping to bounce back from a very discouraging loss the last time out. Nine days ago, OSU made the trek to Connecticut to challenge Quinnipiac and came up small in a 60-52 setback. The defeat snapped a five- game win streak for the Beavers, who are set to tip off Pac-12 Conference play this weekend versus Oregon.

The Gauchos hold a 2-1 advantage in the all-time series between the programs, although they have not played each other since UCSB scored a 71-70 victory back in December of 1987.

Against the other major program from the Beaver State, the Gauchos came back from a double-digit deficit in the first half to force overtime, but came up short after an additional five minutes of action. Alan Williams accounted for 23 shot attempts as he registered a double-double consisting of 26 points and 12 rebounds, followed by Michael Bryson and John Green with 21 and 18 points, respectively.

One of the better defensive programs in the Big West Conference, the Gauchos are holding foes to just 37.9 percent shooting from the field and 29.9 percent behind the 3-point line. Williams has played a pivotal role in frustrating those foes by registering 32 blocked shots through 11 games. Williams has been a beast in the paint in every which way for the Gauchos as he averages a double-double with 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per contest, both of which lead the program. Bryson (14.1 ppg), Green (11.1 ppg) and Gabe Vincent (11.0 ppg) all have a hand in helping UCSB produce 72.4 ppg at the offensive end of the floor.

Like so many teams that are not familiar with the Bobcats of Quinnipiac, Oregon State was easily beaten on the glass, 46-27, and taken off guard in what turned into an eight-point setback on the East Coast. Olaf Schaftenaar tried to keep the visitors competitive with 18 points and six rebounds, shooting 7-of-10 from the field and 4-of-6 behind the 3-point line, but it simply was not enough. Malcolm Duvivier accounted for 10 points, while Gary Payton II was held scoreless after registering a triple-double just days earlier.

Payton II, the son of former OSU standout and NBA star Gary Payton, has been a major contributor for the Beavers in so many areas, although he did very little damage before fouling out against Quinnipiac. Payton II leads the team in scoring (12.4 ppg), rebounding (8.6 rpg) and steals (32), tied for the lead with 12 blocked shots and second with 34 assists. Because of his efforts, the Beavers own the best scoring defense in the Pac-12 as they limit foes to only 55.8 ppg on 34.2 percent shooting from the floor and 27.8 percent beyond the arc.

The Beavers have to be on their toes in this meeting because UCSB already proved that it could rise up and cause a stir against what is perceived to be tougher competition. Hopefully OSU learned something from the meeting against Quinnipiac and can apply it this time around, from the comforts of home.