SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Highlanders snapped a two game losing streak in Santa Barbara tonight topping UCSB 69-62. Hannah Wickstsom and Seneca Hackley scored a combined 47 points in the effort and Wickstrom added 13 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season.

The Gauchos took the lead after the first quarter, 16-14. Neither team could find separation in the first with the largest lead of four points held by the Highlanders. Wickstrom led the way for UCR with six in the first. 

In the second quarter UCR's offense came alive, as did its defense. Outscoring UCSB 24-11 in the quarter, the Highlanders took a 38-27 lead at the half. The Highlanders started on an 8-0 run capped off with threes from Kaylani Polk and Wickstrom. With just over four minutes in the half Bria Shine's jumper gave UCR a nine point lead. Through the first six plus minutes of the quarter the Highlanders held the Gauchos to four points. A jumper by Polk and another Wickstrom three and UCR held its largest lead of the first half, 36-24. UCSB ended the half making three free throws.

The third quarter saw the tables turn. UCSB doubled up UCR 20-10. Hackley started the half hitting a three, putting the Highlanders up by 14. The Gauchos used an 11-0 run to end the third and get back into the game and the once double digit Highlander lead was down to one.

UCSB took the lead right away at the start of the fourth. Then both teams traded baskets and neither team gave an inch. Hackley then hit a three with just over three minutes left in the game to give the Highlanders a 64-58 lead. From that point UCR seized control of the game and built the lead back up to nine points. A UCSB shot at the buzzer was the lone basket for the Gauchos in the final three minutes as the Highlanders' defense took over late. 

The Highlanders head home for a Saturday showdown with UC San Diego. Tipoff is 4PM.  Read Full Article