Despite holding CSUN to 31 percent shooting, UCSB’s offense could not capitalize, as the Matadors pulled away with the 60-21 decision in the Thunderdome on Saturday.
The Gauchos are now 0-10 in conference play, while its overall record falls to 0-23. Meanwhile, the Matadors improve to 17-9 with a 7-4 mark in the Big West.
After logging in 40 minutes in Thursday night’s loss at Long Beach State, Taylor Farris again led UCSB with 34 minutes played against CSUN, while also pacing the team with seven rebounds, five steals, and a pair of blocks. Her swipes were also a career-high.
Leading UCSB in scoring was Jasmine Ware with six points, adding to her four boards and two steals. Collectively, the Gauchos struggled shooting the ball in making just 20.5 percent of their shots.
UCSB opened the game with staunch defense, as it allowed just 10 points through the first 12 minutes. CSUN’s Cinnamon Lister netted the first basket with a triple, but Ware was quick to respond on a fast break layup. The game remained gridlocked at 3-2 for nearly five minutes until Ashlee Guay broke the ice with a left wing three. During that defensive stretch, the Gauchos picked off two Matador passes and produced seven consecutive stops.
The Matadors took hold of a 10-4 lead after back-to-back Jasmine Johnson, but UCSB pulled itself with consecutive makes from Ware and Kristine Brance. It was the closest UCSB would get to CSUN who closed out the half on an 18-0 run in capturing the 28-8 lead.
Following the break, the Gauchos picked up two quick turnovers and cashed them in for three points. CSUN opened the half with possession, but Ware picked Ashlee Guay’s pocket for the steal to set up a short jumper from Watkins. On the ensuing possession, Farris cut off an entry pass from Guay for another steal. On the other end, Jemerigbe slashed her way through the lane and earned a trip to the foul line where she made one of two shots.
CSUN head coach Jason Flowers called a timeout following the turnovers and made a five-player substitution. The Matadors’ new unit on the floor produced a layup with 14 seconds of entering the game. From there, CSUN never looked back and closed out the game over UCSB.
