Top-seeded UC Santa Barbara spotted Cal State Fullerton an early 7-2 lead
and then went on an 22-2 run Wednesday night to trigger a 93-58 victory
in the opening round of the Big West Conference Women's Basketball Tournament
at the Anaheim Convention Center. Lindsey Taylor led the way with 21 points
on 9 of 12 shooting and the Gauchos made 60 per cent of their attemtps.
The win improved UCSB's record to 24-4 and advanced it into the second
round against UC Irviine, a winner over Idaho.
Fullerton concluded its season at 7-21. After the game, Head Coach Barbara
Ehardt revealed that her 3-year contract that expires on March 31, 2003,
will not be renewed.
Nikki Lee got the Titans off on the right foot, scoring two baskets around
an Allyson Alhadeff 3-pointer for the 7-2 start. But another Lee bucket
was all the Titans could post in the next nine minutes in which time UCSB
had built a 24-9 advantage. Amber Pruitt's 3-pointer at 9:04 stopped the
streak and Lee added another bucket to get the lead to 10 points at 24-14.
But UCSB ended the half on a 19-4 surge to take a commanding 44-20 lead
into the locker room.
Rochelle Ortega led the Titans with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Lee ended
up with 10 points and Pruitt had the same along with six rebounds.
