SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- Hampton dropped a 79-66 decision against the UCSB Gauchos, on Monday night, during the beginning of the Santa Barbara Beach Classic. Luc Therrien scored 16 points and led with four rebounds over UCSB.
 
Along with Therrien, Jordan Nesbitt added 14 points, two steals and two blocks. Russell Dean had 13 points and four assists. Hampton was shooting 30% deep throughout the game, as they handled contesting shots, but both teams lost their high shooting percentage after the first half. However, the background cuts of the Gauchos were playing in their favor.
 
Ajay Mitchell added eight assists for the Gauchos, while Andre Kelly added 16 points, shooting 7-of-11 from the floor with seven rebounds.
 
During the first half, Hampton was down by 19 points but moving forward, the Pirates gathered momentum and made an attempt to comeback during the second half.
 
Russell Dean's three pointer brought the score to 45-31 with Jordan Nesbitt using his drive as a distraction. With less than ten minutes on the clock, Hampton was down by 10 and was shooting threes and driving the ball, bringing the score up inspite of the Gauchos defense.
 
Hampton did a great job bringing up the score after returning from the first half. Jordan Nesbitt was able to secure a dunk, while Kyrese Mullen added an up and under move to bring the score to 72-59.
 
After working to outmaneuver the Gauchos defense, one last dunk from Luc Therrien, assisted by Tre Thomas and two free throws from Dean brought the score to 79-66, with Hampton falling to the Gauchos.
 
Next Up
 
Hampton will battle with the North Alabama Lions in a neutral affair on UCSB's court, Tuesday at 3pm EST.