Orlando Johnson sank the game-winning 3-pointer with 5 seconds left as UC Santa Barbara edged Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo 58-57 in a Big West opener Monday night.
Alan Williams had 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Gauchos (6-5), who made Bob Williams the winningest coach in school history with his 223rd victory. James Nunnally, Nate Garth and Johnson added 12 points apiece.
Will Taylor led the Mustangs (9-5) with 17 points and 11 rebounds for his fourth double-double. Fermin Amaurys scored 11.
Garth's 3-pointer gave the Gauchos their largest lead at 40-27 with 15:19 left. But the Mustangs nudged ahead 56-55 on David Hanson's layup with 1:41 to go.
UC Santa Barbara missed its next three shots and Cal Poly misfired on three foul shots before Drake U'u made a free throw to put the Mustangs up 57-55 with 18 seconds left.
Then Johnson hit his clutch 3-pointer.
