Dec. 29, 1999

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - Gonzaga and UC Santa Barbara enter Thursday's game trying to protect their winning streaks.

Twenty-third ranked UC Santa Barbara looks for its fifth consecutive victory against the Bulldogs, who are riding their own five-game streak.

The Gauchos (8-3) have played one of the nation's toughest non-conference schedules this season, facing five Top 25 teams. They went 2-3, defeating Illinois and Oregon and losing to Georgia, Arizona and Kansas.

On Tuesday, the Gauchos defeated Washington State, 89-73, behind 22 points by Erin Buescher. Stacy Clinesmith added 18 points, including eight in a late run. Down by as many as 18, Washington State went on a 21-9 run to get within six points. But consecutive 3-pointers by Clinesmith in the final minutes helped seal the victory.

Clinesmith finished with eight assists and Kristi Rohr added 17 points for the Gauchos.

Gonzaga (7-3) is coming off a 70-48 win over lightly regarded Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo on Tuesday.

After playing a miserable first half that included 19 turnovers and 31-percent shooting, the Bulldogs went into the locker room trailing the Mustangs, 31-19.

Gonzaga opened the second half with an 18-5 run, taking the lead for the first time since the 17-minute mark of the first half. Holly Bruno's 3-pointer started an 18-0 to put the game away.

Four Bulldogs scored in double figures, led by Brunos' 19 points and Jessica Malone's 14.

Thursday's game marks the inaugural meeting between Santa Barbara and Gonzaga.