SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The UC Santa Barbara Women's Basketball team used a hot start to propel them to victory in their home opener against San Francisco Tuesday night. Seniors Alexis Whitfield and Alyssa Marin led the way scoring 22 and 14 respectively.

FROM HEAD COACH BONNIE HENRICKSON
"Offensively in the first half, I thought it was as well as we executed in a long time," said Henrickson. "We got primary looks, we got good looks, clean looks and it was really good. The then did what they had to do and trap and stopped us from running. I don't think we ran a designed play in the second half just because of them trapping us."

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gauchos came out of the gates on fire shooting 68.7% from the field and 50% from three. The Gauchos drew two quick shooting fouls to open up the scoring and went up 3-0. A three-pointer by the Dons tied it up but the Gauchos proceeded to go on an 13-2 run to put them up 11.

From there the Gauchos couldn't miss making seven of their next 10 shots. After the end of one UC Santa Barbara led 31-14. The Gauchos continued to build on that lead in the second quarter extending their led to as much as 22 after a Skylar Burke three pointer made it 41-19. Santa Barbara continued to keep their foot on the gas and went into halftime leading by 19.

Coming out of the break San Francisco quickly changed their style of play, trapping and relying heavily on guard Jasmine Gayles to make open shots. The Dons were able to cause havoc for the Gauchos going on a 16-3 run to open up the third quarter to pull within six half way through the third quarter. The Gauchos were finally able to break the press and get shots to fall as the teams battled to a 66-60 score at the end of the third with the Gauchos leading. 

UC Santa Barbara and San Francisco would trade baskets for the first five minutes of the fourth quarter but the Gauchos continued to fight for every basket and two key three pointers down the stretch by Jessica Grant and Alexis Whitfield extended the lead to nine points and then 12 points to put the game out of reach in the closing minute. 

FROM THE STUDENT-ATHLETES
Alexis Whitfield On her increased role this season: "As you know we lost some great leaders, but Alyssa, Anya and I have been stepping up to help," said Whitfield. "With seven new players we are making sure we are bonding with our teammates outside of basketball because as much as you play basketball with them it is very important to know them off the court. As far as my role, I'm just making sure I am calm, poised and being there for Alyssa when traps like that do come. Like Coach Bonnie said, the ball finds energy and I am just making sure I always give 100%."

Alyssa Marin on getting back in the game after picking up her third foul: "I was very anxious to get back in, but fouls like that are hard," said Marin. "It's very easy to get in your head after it but after a couple years of making fouls like that I realize I need to let it go and cheer on my teammates on the bench. Honestly our bench energy was amazing, we got into a little lol and they (USF) were coming back, but no matter what our bench just kept cheering."

LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS

• With 22 points and 12 rebounds Alexis Whitfield recorded her first 20 point outing and her third double-double as a Gaucho.
• The Gauchos cashed in at the charity stripe going 10-for-12 (0.833).
• Skylar Burke was two rebounds shy of recording her first double-double and tied her career-high in rebounds.
• Jessica Grant shot 11 three pointers a new career-high in attempts. She made four of the 11 shots to post 12 points in the game. 

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will hit the road as they travel to Pocatello, Ida. Next Wednesday, Nov. 15. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m. Pacific time. For those unable to make the trip the game can be streamed on ESPN+.