LONG BEACH, Calif. - The UC Santa Barbara Women's Basketball team improved to 5-1 in Big West action after a 69-56 victory over Long Beach State Saturday afternoon. The Gauchos 5-1 start is their best six game start since the 2008-09 season when UC Santa Barbara started 6-0. Alyssa Marin led the way with 25 points, a new career-high.
FROM HEAD COACH BONNIE HENRICKSON
Thoughts on the game: "The second quarter we were in good rhythm, got good looks and defended," explained Henrickson. "Long Beach answered in the third quarter and we will learn from that, but we were able to regain control. We got a contribution from just about everyone, that is a good road win and we continue to build momentum."
On Marin and Choice's play: "Alyssa Marin had a career-night and Anya Choice was able to step into some threes to give us some breathing room, and its something we have been asking her to do. It was huge to have their presence in the fourth quarter in a tight game. Anya (Choice) really started the party from the three-point line. She got two really good looks in the first half and knocked them down. They got big buckets and have been through it and been in those situations."
HOW IT HAPPENED
It was all Gauchos to open up the game. UC Santa Barbara started the game on a 7-3 run, but the Beach hit a three that would swing momentum back to them. After trading baskets before the media timeout, Alyssa Marin took over for the Gauchos. The senior scored eight of her 25 in the opening frame. Unfortunately it was not enough as Long Beach State ended the period up 15-14.
After the quarter break, the Gauchos completely dominated the second quarter. Santa Barbara held the Beach to just seven points in the frame, outscoring them by 15 to take a 14 point lead into halftime. Zoe Borter launched a 17-2 Gaucho run after she hit a three as time expired on the shot clock at the nine minute mark of the quarter. Santa Barbara did not allow Long Beach to score for nearly seven minutes limiting the Beach to just three made baskets in the quarter.
The third quarter was dominated by Long Beach State as they clawed their way back into the game throughout the period. After being up by as much as 16 the Beach cut the lead to just three at the quarters end. After a slow start Alexis Whitfield found her rhythm scoring six of her 13 points in the period.
The fourth quarter was full of lead changes and intense basketball. With six minutes remaining Long Beach State took the lead over UC Santa Barbara. On the ensuing Gaucho possession, Alyssa Marin hit a three-point jump shot to regain the lead and propel Santa Barbara to a 10-0 run. The Gauchos were able to fend off any Beach momentum and hang on to win 69-56.
LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS
- Alyssa Marin scored a career-high 25 points in the win, surpassing her previous career-high of 22 that she recorded earlier this season against Nevada.
- This is the third time this season that UC Santa Barbara has put together a three-game winning streak.
- Anya Choice has scored in double-figures in three of the past four games for the Gauchos.
- The 18 offensive rebounds is a Gauchos team season-high, beating their previous of 17 against Nevada. 13 of the 18 came in the first half.
UP NEXT
The Gauchos will return to The Thunderdome on Thursday, Jan. 18 as they host CSUN at 7 p.m. The UC Santa Barbara Women's Basketball team will welcome faculty and staff from around campus for their faculty and staff appreciation game. For those unable to attend the game will be streamed through ESPN+ with live stats available through ucsbgauchos.com
