Clippers Rookie Kobe Sanders Spurs Cal Poly's Big Win

Sanders celebrates as his alma mater ends 17-game losing streak against rival UCSB

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Clippers rookie Kobe Sanders, a former star player for Cal Poly, was warmly welcomed as he watched his alma mater break a 17-game losing streak against UC Santa Barbara. The Mustangs secured an 89-79 triumph, marking their first win in this rivalry since 2018. Sanders, who never defeated UCSB during his college career, expressed his connection to the moment and the significance of the victory for the team.

Why it matters

Sanders' journey from a lesser-known college program to the NBA highlights the potential for athletes from smaller schools to make an impact. Cal Poly's win over their rival also suggests positive momentum for the Mustangs' basketball program, energizing both the team and its supporters.

The details

During the weekend rivalry contest in San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly's former star Kobe Sanders cheered on the current Mustangs team as they secured an 89-79 victory over UC Santa Barbara. Despite never defeating UCSB during his four seasons at Cal Poly from 2020 to 2024, Sanders expressed his pride in seeing the team finally break the 17-game losing streak against their rivals.

  • The Mustangs' last win against UCSB was in January 2018.
  • Sanders played for Cal Poly from 2020 to 2024.

The players

Kobe Sanders

A 23-year-old rookie shooting guard for the Los Angeles Clippers who previously played for Cal Poly from 2020 to 2024.

Cal Poly Mustangs

The men's basketball team of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, which ended a 17-game losing streak against rival UC Santa Barbara.

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos

The men's basketball team of the University of California, Santa Barbara, who lost to Cal Poly after a 17-game winning streak in the rivalry.

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What they’re saying

“Feels like home, I mean everyone brought great energy when they saw me.”

— Kobe Sanders (theconwaybulletin.com)

“Just to see the guys go out and compete tonight, beat our rivals Santa Barbara, meant everything to me. Everyone is playing together, playing great basketball so you love to see that.”

— Kobe Sanders (theconwaybulletin.com)

The takeaway

Kobe Sanders' journey from a lesser-known college program to the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers serves as an inspiration for athletes from smaller schools, while Cal Poly's victory over their rival UCSB suggests positive momentum for the Mustangs' basketball program.