Sunday, November 30th, 4:30 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Redbird Arena (10,200) -- Normal, Illinois. Television: None. Home Record: UCSB 1-2, ISU 2-0. Away Record: UCSB 0-1, ISU 2-0. Neutral Record: UCSB 2-0, ISU 2-0. Conference Record: UCSB 0-0, ISU 0-0. Series Record: UC Santa Barbara leads, 1-0.

GAME NOTES: In the championship game of the World Vision Invitational, the host Illinois State Redbirds challenge the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos this afternoon at Redbird Arena. After stumbling through a three-game losing streak, the Gauchos got back on track with consecutive wins. UCSB opened this event with a 71-58 victory over Winston-Salem State, and followed that with a 57-38 decision over Nicholls State. It does not get any easier for the Gauchos, who will be on the road for five of their next seven games. As for the Redbirds, they have been perfect on the young season, winning all six of their bouts thus far. Illinois State has cruised through both of its tournament opponents, defeating Nicholls State, 75-65, and Winston-Salem State, 53-33. The Redbirds already won the SMU Tip-Off Classic this year, and a win today would mark the first time since the 1984-85 campaign that they were able to win two regular-season tournaments in the same year. This bout represents just the second matchup between the Gauchos and Redbirds on the hardwood. The only other meeting took place in 1978, and UCSB was able to walk away with an 84-69 victory.

The Gauchos have not been overwhelming at the offensive end of the floor this year, as the team heads into this contest posting just 65.0 ppg despite shooting 45.8 percent from the field. James Powell is only shooting 34.1 percent on the year, but the guard still leads the team with 13.7 ppg. Chris Devin is the only other player averaging double figures, as the forward is netting 13.2 ppg to go along with a team-best 6.8 rpg. The last time UCSB was on the court the team only scored 57 points, but it was more than enough to grab a 19-point win over Nicholls State. UCSB shot 47.7 percent from the field in the contest, and was led by Powell who tallied 12 points. D.J. Posley chipped in just nine points, while Devine had only eight, but also collected a team-best nine rebounds.

The Redbirds' amazing start to the year can be attributed to their performance at the offensive end of the court, as they are currently producing an average of 77.5 ppg. ISU is shooting 46.5 percent thus far, and has also posted an outstanding 41.9 percent showing from behind the arc. Champ Oguchi has done a little of everything for the Redbirds, logging 17.3 points, 7.8 caroms and 12 steals per outing. Osiris Eldridge is next in line with 15.7 ppg, and he has also done well on the glass, grabbing 6.0 boards per game. Burying opponents from long range has been Lloyd Phillips, who is knocking down 48 percent of his three-point tries. The Redbirds were not at their best in their recent clash with Winston-Salem State, shooting just 36.7 percent from the field en route to a 53-point performance. However, Illinois State still managed to win by 20 points. Oguchi led the way with 17 points and also grabbed eight boards, while Eldridge chipped in with 11 points and a team-best nine rebounds.

The Gauchos have performed well throughout this event, but the Redbirds are the more talented team. Add the homecourt advantage to the mix and it spells an ISU victory.

Predicted Outcome

Illinois State 76, UC Santa Barbara 61