SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The UC Santa Barbara Women's Basketball team defeated San Jose State 86-76 on Sunday afternoon. The Gauchos shot over 47 percent from the field, and 80 percent from the free throw line to get back in the win column.

FROM HEAD COACH RENEE JIMENEZ
"This was a big win for us," said Jimenez. "We needed this we needed this mentally. Like, who cares about what our record is we are three games into the season. We continue to talk about trusting the process, trust the process and at the end of the day we want them to feel the reward for all their work."

In the first quarter UC Santa Barbara took an early lead with a strong offensive performance. Alyssa Marin contributed a three-pointer and multiple free throws early on. The visitors kept the score close with but in the final minutes of the quarter, UC Santa Barbara's Skylar Burke and Zoe Borter capitalized with a series of successful layups and a three, pushing the Gauchos to a 26-19 lead by the end of the quarter.

The second quarter ended with both teams scoring 14 points. The Gauchos and Spartans traded baskets for the majority of the quarter as Santa Barbara maintained their seven point lead. The Blue and Gold were able to build their lead up to double-digits a couple times. In the final moments, Martha Pietsch hit two crucial three-pointers, while the Spartans managed to keep pace with consecutive scores and trimming the lead to seven just before the break.

Out of halftime Alyssa Marin was instrumental in extending the lead with consecutive free throws and a key jumper, contributing significantly to the team's scoring. After a few turnovers by both sides, Anya Choice mad an impact late in the quarter with a three-pointer and a layup to help the Gauchos extend their lead to 61-50.

In the fourth quarter, UC Santa Barbara maintained a strong lead against San Jose State. The Spartans started with a series of fouls and turnovers, allowing UC Santa Barbara to capitalize with free throws extending their lead early in the quarter. San Jose State continued to battle and trimmed the lead after a few layups and three-pointers. However, UC Santa Barbara's solid free throw shooting, particularly by Marin, closed out the game for the Gauchos with a 86-76 victory.

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will stay at home as they host Cal Lutheran on Thursday, Nov. 21. The game will tip off at 7 p.m. inside The Thunderdome. For those unable to attend in person the contest will be streamed through ESPN+.