FULLERTON, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Women's Basketball team faced Cal State Fullerton for the second time this season, this time taking on the Titans on their home court after falling to them 62-61 at The Thunderdome. The Gauchos put on a valiant effort on both the defensive and offensive fronts, but a last-quarter surge by Fullerton gave them a marginal 62-60 win.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The teams stayed tight throughout the game, reciprocating both baskets and defensive moves. Olivia Bradley opened the scoring, sinking a three-pointer after 30 seconds. After the Titans responded with a bucket of their own, the period remained evenly paced, with both teams putting points on the board. The Gauchos exited the first with a slight edge at 20-18, thanks to a three-pointer by Zoe Borter.
Two minutes into the second, Fullerton tied it at 21-21. More back-and-forth ensued, then the Titans put themselves ahead at 28-26. The Gauchos rallied, putting on a nine-point run to give themselves a seven-point lead at the half.
UC Santa Barbara maintained their magic early in the third quarter, extending their lead to 41-30 at 7:33 with two free throws from Bradley. Fullerton narrowed the gap in the final minutes, but UC Santa Barbara still held a 47-45 lead heading into the final quarter.
Cal State Fullerton clawed themselves to a 60-57 lead in the fourth, one that the Gauchos tied with a three-point jumper by Borter at 29 seconds. In their final play of the game, the Titans waited until the final moments to make a move, ultimately sending Big West Player of the Week Cristina Jones to the basket, where she scored one last layup to win the game for the Titans at the buzzer.
Olivia Bradley led the offense and reached 25 points for her second highest total of the season. Zoe Borter returned to her double-digit scoring habit, making 19 to follow up. Borter also led in assists with four. Júlia Puente-Valverde had a season-high 13 rebounds, 11 of them defensive.
UP NEXT
UC Davis will visit The Thunderdome on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 7, the Gauchos will head to UC Irvine for a 2:00 p.m. tip off.