DAVIS, Calif. (Interstat) — UC Santa Barbara used a stout defensive performance to defeat UC Davis 55-47 in a women’s basketball game Thursday night at The Pavilion.

The Gauchos (12-2, 2-1 Big West) held the Aggies (10-5, 2-1) to 29.2% shooting from the floor, including 4 of 27 from three-point range. Both teams struggled offensively, but UC Santa Barbara built a 29-24 halftime lead and maintained it throughout the second half.

Zoe Borter led all scorers with 17 points for the Gauchos. Júlia Puente-Valverde added 10 points. Megan Norris scored 12 points and Ryann Bennett added 11 for UC Davis. The Aggies, who entered as statistical favorites, could not overcome their shooting woes in front of 582 fans.