SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The University of California, Santa Barbara women’s basketball team earned a hard‑fought 58‑54 win over cross‑town rival Pepperdine on Saturday night, moving to 2‑0 on the season. Freshman guard Karisma Flores posted a team‑high 16 points, including four three‑pointers, while Washington transfer Olivia Anderson added 13 points and the game‑winning basket in the final minutes.
Early Surge Sets the Tone
Flores, a former standout at Buena and Oak Park High Schools, sparked the Gauchos’ offense early, drilling three three‑point shots in the first quarter and helping UCSB build a 26‑16 lead. “I feel very happy right now. I got to play with all my teammates. They’re my favorite people right now. It feels good to get the win with them,” Flores said after the game. “We’ve been working really hard, and I’m excited to see what we can do.”
Mid‑Game Adjustments
After the strong start, the Gauchos’ scoring slowed, and Pepperdine clawed back to keep the contest close. Anderson, who transferred from Washington, stepped up in the second half, scoring 13 points, including the final four points in the last 3:17 of the game to seal the victory. Her composure under pressure highlighted the depth of the UCSB roster.
Supporting Cast Contributes
Senior guard Maddie Naro contributed six points and dished out eight assists, facilitating the offense when the team needed ball movement. Forward Chauncey Anderson added nine points, providing a steady inside presence. The collective effort allowed UCSB to withstand Pepperdine’s late surge and maintain the lead.
Looking Ahead
UCSB will host Seattle on Monday at 6 p.m. in a continuation of its early‑season schedule. The Gauchos aim to build on the confidence generated by the win over Pepperdine and continue their unbeaten start.
Other Local College Basketball Action
In Division III play, Cal Poly defeated Whittier 61‑33, improving to 2‑0. Freshmen Maddy Tauro and Dessirae Ulmer combined for 25 points, 11 rebounds, and six steals. The Mustangs forced 24 turnovers and recorded 17 steals, showcasing a dominant defensive performance.
The weekend’s results highlight a promising start for Santa Barbara’s college basketball programs, offering local fans exciting competition and a glimpse of talent that could shape the remainder of the season.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
