SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Interstat) — UC Santa Barbara used a dominant first half and efficient shooting to defeat Hawaii 77-62 in a men’s basketball game Saturday at Thunderdome.

The Gauchos built a 40-21 halftime lead behind a strong offensive start and never trailed. Aidan Mahaney led UC Santa Barbara with 17 points. Hosana Kitenge added 12 points for the Gauchos, who shot 54.7% from the floor.

Hawaii’s Harry Rouhliadeff and Isaiah Kerr each scored 13 points. The Warriors improved after halftime but could not overcome the large early deficit. Hawaii shot 41.5% for the game.

UC Santa Barbara improved to 11-7 overall. Hawaii fell to 13-4. An announced crowd of 2,589 attended the Big West Conference game.