BREAKING: The UC Santa Barbara women’s basketball team faced a crushing defeat, losing 69-62 to UC Riverside at the Thunderdome on February 2, 2023. This marks the Gauchos’ 10th consecutive game struggling offensively, leaving fans and officials alike frustrated and concerned.
Coach Renee Jimenez expressed her disappointment, particularly with the team’s defensive execution. “To give them a 24-point second quarter and a 21-point fourth quarter is really frustrating. We’re better than that,” Jimenez stated. This loss drops UCSB to 16-7 overall and 8-6 in the Big West Conference, now sitting in fifth place and three games out of fourth, which is crucial for postseason byes.
The game showcased a stark contrast in shooting performance; while Riverside shot only 42.1% overall, they capitalized during critical moments, making 9-of-16 shots in the second quarter and 6-of-11 in the fourth. In stark comparison, the Gauchos, who once ranked fourth nationally in three-point shooting, have seen their accuracy plummet to 33.9% as of late. They made just 4-of-19 three-pointers in this matchup.
Star player Hannah Wickstrom, who ranks sixth nationally with a 23.3-point average, led Riverside with 27 points, outscoring the entire UCSB team in three-pointers alone. The Gauchos’ struggles were evident, as they have made just 73-of-269 threes (27.1%) over the past ten games.
UCSB had moments of promise, including a strong first quarter fueled by freshman Chauncey Andersen, who contributed a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. However, the team’s offensive cold streak caught up with them, as they missed six of their first seven shots in the second quarter, allowing Riverside to pull ahead decisively.
Despite a valiant second-half effort led by Zoe Borter, who scored 17 of her team-high 20 points in the second half, UCSB couldn’t close the gap. Jimenez noted, “We have to challenge them just to talk and speak and communicate,” emphasizing the need for better team cohesion moving forward.
Looking ahead, UCSB is scheduled to face Cal Poly at home on Saturday at 2 p.m.. This game is critical for the Gauchos as they attempt to regain momentum in the Big West race. With only seven games remaining, every contest is vital for their tournament aspirations.
Fans are left wondering if the Gauchos can break free from their slump and rally together in the upcoming matches. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!
