The Santa Cruz Warriors successfully defended Kaiser Permanente Arena on Sunday, defeating the Northern Arizona Suns 138-126.
The Santa Cruz Warriors, G League affiliate of the reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors, defeated the Northern Arizona Suns 138-126 on Sunday at Kaiser Permanente Arena.
The Sea Dubs improve their regular season record to 23-24, taking one step closer to getting back to the .500 mark. With just two games left in the year — both of which are set to be played at KP Arena — Surf City has a good chance of finishing the season with a winning record.
The Warriors had an excellent first half, opening the night with a 37-25 first quarter. Santa Cruz continued to fire on all cylinders, recording a 35-29 second quarter to take a 72-54 halftime lead.
The Suns looked a great deal more motivated in the second half, dropping 37 points in the third and 35 in the fourth. The Warriors, however, continued to keep the game close by trading baskets for the rest of the night, which eventually proved enough to secure the win.
Jabari Brown was the Player of the Night, pacing the Sea Dubs with 40 points, four rebounds, seven assists and one steal on 14-of-26 shooting from the field, 7-of-15 shooting from behind the arc and 5-of-5 shooting from the free throw line.
Jeremy Pargo recorded yet another double-double, finishing with 21 points, six rebounds and 12 assists on 9-of-14 shooting. Trevor Thompson also posted a double-double, tallying 14 points (6-9 FG), 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Michael Gbinije had 19 points (7-11 FG), six rebounds and two assists, while C.J. Wilcox contributed 11 points, two rebounds and one assist.
Avry Holmes notched a career-high 20 points off the bench, as well as two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kevin Young was just a point off scoring in double-digits, adding nine points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks.
Next: Santa Cruz Warriors lose to Rio Grande Valley Vipers
Before the Santa Cruz Warriors officially host the Iowa Wolves on Friday to close out the teams’ season series, both squads will replay the last 17.5 seconds of their Jan. 19 contest. Surf City successfully protested the outcome, citing an incorrect ruling by the officiating crew.
The Sea Dubs will then close out their season on Saturday against the Reno Bighorns.