Ucsb’s Late Spurt Falls Short

Midwest/East women

Actor and UC Santa Barbara alum Michael Douglas pumped his fists with every 3-pointer by Erin Alexander, and suddenly Tulane’s 17-point lead was down to three.

But on the game’s last possession - with a chance to tie - Alexander launched one that hit the back of the rim and bounced out as Tulane beat UCSB 72-69 in an NCAA East Regional on Saturday at Washington, D.C.

Alexander’s shot came just seconds after Stacy Clinesmith threw up a desperation shot with the shot clock running down. Then, Clinesmith was called for a charge on a fast break with 16.2 seconds remaining.

Ahead by 17 early in the second half, No. 4 Tulane (27-4) weathered a burst by Alexander. Held scoreless in the first half, Alexander drilled six 3-pointers and scored 24 points down the stretch in a rally.

But with 5 seconds remaining, the No. 13 Gauchos’ (24-6) final attempt fell short.

Clinesmith of Spokane finished with 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting. She was 3 of 6 from the foul line.

GW 61, Northwestern 46

Also at Washington, D.C., Noelia Gomez scored 22 points as fifth-seeded George Washington (26-5) beat No. 12 Northwestern (17-11).

George Washington will play Tulane on Monday.

Notre Dame 93, Memphis 62

At Austin, Texas, Katryna Gaither had 24 points and 12 rebounds as sixth-seeded Notre Dame (28-6) bounced No. 11 Memphis (22-7).

Spokane’s Karie Hutchison was 1 of 2 from the floor for Notre Dame..

Texas 66, SW Texas State 38

Also at Austin, Texas, Angela Jackson had 14 points and 11 rebounds as the No. 3 Longhorns (22-7) routed No. 14 Southwest Texas (17-12).

Texas will play Notre Dame on Monday.

Midwest

Iowa 56, N. Carolina St. 50

At Storrs, Conn., Tangela Smith scored 17 points as the ninth-seeded Hawkeyes (18-11) beat the eighth-seeded Wolfpack (19-12).

The Hawkeyes will play Connecticut on Monday.

Connecticut 103, Lehigh 35

Also at Storrs, Conn., the top-seeded Huskies (31-0) routed No. 16 Lehigh (15-15), but less then 8 minutes into the game, freshman star Shea Ralph went down with a knee injury.

Ralph, the Big East rookie of the year, was at the closing end of a fastbreak trying to field a pass for an easy layup when her right knee buckled.

Team doctors said initial X-rays revealed a sprain. Ralph will undergo further tests today.

Oregon 80, San Diego State 68

At Knoxville, Tenn., Arianne Boyer scored 19 points to lead four Oregon (22-6) players in double figures in a win over the No. 11 Aztecs (23-7).

Tennessee 91, Grambling 54

Also at Knoxville, Tenn., Chamique Holdsclaw scored 16 points as the third-seeded Vols (24-10) opened their NCAA title defense with a win over No. 14 Grambling (24-6).

No. 3 Tennessee (24-10) advanced to a second-round game against No. 6 Oregon.