UC Irvine Beaten by Santa Barbara

Raimonds Miglinieks, the most consistent offensive force for UC Irvine, had an off night Thursday as the Anteaters lost to UC Santa Barbara, 79-73, in front of 2,123 in the Gauchos’ Thunderdome.

Miglinieks did not make a field goal in 12 attempts, missed seven three-point shots, and with 1 minute 16 seconds left, missed two key free throws.

Irvine, 9-14 overall and 5-11 in the Big West, got a good game from forward Khalid Channell, who made 11 of 14 shots and scored a career-high 23 points.

Santa Barbara (12-11, 7-8) was led by guard Lelan McDougal, who had a game-high 25 points. He made six of seven free throws in the final 1:47.

Irvine made one of 14 three-point attempts, its lowest total from beyond the arc in three years. And still the Anteaters hung close to the Gauchos to the bitter end and even tied the score, 68-68, with 2:45 left.