SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – UCR traveled up the coast and took on UC Santa Barbara. In the team's first meeting at the SRC, the Highlanders won, 62-52. In that meeting, three Highlanders:
Makayla Rose,
Zoe Tillery and
Esther Matarranz all ended in double figures.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Highlanders started the game on a 7-1 run highlighted led by Shelley Duchemin's four points out of the gate. UCSB cut the lead to three, but Tillery hit a jumper to put UCR up by five. For the next three minutes both teams could not find any offense, but in the last minute of the game after a couple of traded baskets the Highlanders led, 10-6.
- The Gauchos busted a three to open the scoring in the second quarter and took an 11-10 lead after a layup by Olivia Bradley. The lead was short lived, as Jordyn Marshall hit a three putting UCR back on top. Tillery followed up with a three of her own and UCR lead 16-11. After Seneca Hackely's three made it 19-11, UCSB went on a 4-0 run. Tillery hit another three in the remaining one-plus minute of the half giving UCR a 23-19 lead.
- The Highlanders opened the third quarter on an 11-1 run to take a 31-20 lead. This was the second straight game where UCR came out on fire in the third, as they have been outscore all year in period number three. UCSB tried to get back into the game, but UCR had answers. They took a 35-28 lead into the fourth.
- Early on in the fourth both teams slugged it out trading baskets and eventually UCSB cut the lead to one. A pair of free throws by Rose and the lead went back up to three. After three free throws by UCSB the Gauchos and the Highlanders were tied again, this time at 41. Hannah Wickstrom broke the tie on a layup giving UCR a two point lead, 43-41. Then the defense took over and eventually the Highlanders gained control over the game ending it on an 8-0 run.
COACH LANGSTON ON THE WIN
- This was a hard-fought win on the road, and I'm proud of the way our team battled for 40 minutes. We executed our defensive game plan well and made key plays down the stretch. Hitting big shots when it mattered most was a testament to our composure and resilience."
NOTABLES
- Balance scoring for the Highlanders as Duchemin and Tillery both at ten and Hackley added nine.
- Duchemin recorded a double-double with 10 boards to go along with the ten points.
UP NEXT
- Up next for UCR is a trip to the Pyramid to play Long Beach State on February 20 at 6PM.
