Santa Barbara Win Streak Reaches 24

Erin Buescher scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as No. 9 UC Santa Barbara defeated Idaho, 82-75, in the first round of the Big West Conference tournament at Reno, Nev.

It was the 49th straight victory over Big West competition for the Gauchos (28-3), who extended the nation’s longest winning streak to 24 games. Alli Nieman had 24 points and 14 rebounds for Idaho (13-16).

In other women’s games: Aleah Johnson scored 18 points as No. 6 Texas Tech defeated Colorado, 76-60, in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament at Kansas City, Mo. Melinda Schmucker-Pharies scored 16 points for the Lady Raiders (25-3). Colorado (10-19) was led by Britt Hartshorn with 17 points and 13 rebounds. . . . In other Big 12 tournament play, No. 10 Iowa State beat Oklahoma State, 93-58. Desiree Francis led the Cyclones (23-5) with 18 points. The Cowboys (14-16) got 20 points from Jennifer Crow. . . . Edwina Brown made a layup with 16.8 seconds remaining and a free throw with 4.7 seconds left as Texas defeated No. 18 Oklahoma, 71-68. Brown led the Longhorns (20-11) with 26 points. Phylesha Whaley had 21 points for the Sooners (23-7). . . . In the Patriot League final at Worcester, Mass., Holy Cross defeated Bucknell, 87-63, and earned an NCAA tournament berth. Anna Kinne scored 23 points for the Crusaders (23-6). Molly Creamer had 20 points for Bucknell (15-15).