IRVINE, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Women's Basketball team took on UC Irvine for the first time this season, visiting the Anteaters at the Bren Events Center Saturday afternoon. Irvine came away successful from the meeting, taking it 63-41. 

Irvine began with a lead in the first, putting up a 6-0 run. Zoe Shaw made the first points for the Gauchos, getting them on the board with a three. Then, with two minutes left, Jessica Grant tied up the contest at 10-10 with a three of her own and an assist from Skylar Burke. The Anteaters powered ahead, however, and ended the first 18-11. 

The Gauchos underwent offensive difficulties in the second quarter, coming away with just six points made. Zoe Borter and Olivia Bradley partnered to make a series of layups for the Gauchos scoring spread. The Anteaters embraced their home court and made 14 to put them up 32-17 at the half. 

The Anteaters continued their streak through the third, closing it 47-25. The offensive slump continued, with the Gauchos going 3-for-14 from the field. Shaw put through another three-pointer, but the Anteaters maintained their dominance. 

The Gauchos picked up their pace in the fourth and final quarter, scoring the same amount of points as Irvine with 16. Júlia Puente-Valverde caught fire, sinking four points to start the quarter and totaling nine throughout. Irvine kept up, and they finished the game 63-41.

Puente-Valverde posted 10 rebounds, while Burke was back in action to make two free throws and assists. 

UP NEXT
The Gauchos face a two-home game week, first hosting UC Riverside on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 14, the Gauchos will host Cal Poly at 2:00 p.m.