WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : UC Santa Barbara Silences Hawaii in Big West

For at least one half, UC Santa Barbara’s Mark French let his team do the coaching Thursday night.

Trailing No. 21-ranked Hawaii by five at halftime, the Gauchos responded by rallying for an 80-75 victory in the Big West tournament semifinals at Long Beach Arena.

“One of the adjustments we made at halftime was from the coaching staff,” French said. “I said, ‘We’re going to shut up.’ ”

His players had been getting confused with the constant defensive switches.

“I was glad we stayed with one defense,” senior forward Erika Kienast said. “I was much happier.”

Kienast showed her gratitude with a game-high 26 points and 15 rebounds. During one second-half stretch, she scored 14 of the Gauchos’ 16 points. Also, center Becky Brown had 16 points and guard Lisa Crosskey added 10.

Santa Barbara (25-4) needed Kienast to come through because forward Barbara Beainy, the Big West player of the year, had a miserable night of shooting, going three for 13 and fouling out with 3:53 remaining.

But Hawaii Coach Vince Goo said that Kienast and the Gauchos’ rebounding edge (51-33) was the difference.

“It was a battle underneath the boards,” Goo said. “I don’t think there was any blood, but it was a battle.”

The Wahines (23-6) were led by center Alicia Pontious’ 18 points and forward Tricia Stringam had 13.