After big first quarter UCSB goes cold and lose at Big West Tournament in women’s basketball

HENDERSON, Nevada. - The Gauchos made just 2-of-15 shots in the fourth quarter and managed just four points as they lost to UC Riverside 46-42 in a Big West Tournament quarterfinal game.

The Gauchos scored 23 points in the first quarter but just 19 the rest of the way as they lost to the Highlanders for the third time in as many games this season.

"We get off to such a great start in the first quarter and score more in the first quarter than we do the rest of the game, it's just mind boggling," said UCSB head coach Bonnie Henrickson.

"Airballs, off the side of the backboard, just hard to understand."

Alexis Tucker scored 12 of her game-high 14 points in the first half as UCSB led 29-28.

Despite the offensive struggles after the first quarter, UCSB still led 38-36 heading into the fourth quarter after fifth-year senior Danae Miller made a jumper to close out the third quarter.

"I really wanted to comeback and come with this heavy-hitter team and comeback with a ring," said Miller who scored 9 points in the loss.

"I mean I still enjoyed every moment of it I just wish we had a better outcome of it."

Jordan Webster's three-pointer with just under six minutes left put the Highlanders up 41-38.

Anya Choice cut the deficit to 41-40 with 5:34 to go on an inside basket.

Neither team scored again until Jada Holland made a layup with 26 seconds left to give Riverside a 43-40 lead.

Down 44-40 the Gauchos made just their second basket of the quarter on an Ila Lane layup with 11 seconds left to pull within 44-42.

Riverside made 2 free throws after a UCSB foul and the Gauchos saw their season end moments later.

UCSB ends up 15-12 on the year.