Santa Cruz Holds On In Final Seconds To Beat Long Island, 81-77

LAS VEGAS, NV – The Santa Cruz Warriors (5-8) beat the Long Island Nets (4-9) Monday afternoon at the NBA G League Winter Showcase Cup located in Las Vegas, NV.

After trading baskets majority of the first quarter, the Nets found an 11-0 run near the end of the quarter to gain a six-point advantage into the second quarter, 22-16. The Warriors outscored the Nets 30-16 in the second quarter to go into halftime leading, 46-38. Golden State Two-Way Guard Jeff Dowtin Jr. finished the first half with 18 points (7-10 FG).

Santa Cruz led the entire second half until the final 75 seconds when the Nets took the lead by one point, 77-76. The Warriors had a successful challenge that overturned an offensive foul with 21.8 seconds remaining. The result of the challenge sent Quinndary Weatherspoon to the line where he converted one of two free throws to give the Warriors a two-point lead, 79-77. A strong stand on defense by the Warriors sealed the game to give Santa Cruz the victory, 81-77.

Dowtin Jr. finished the game with 28 points and nine rebounds. Weatherspoon added 19 points (8-13 FG). Forward Jordan Bell (11 rebounds) and forward Axel Toupane (9 rebounds) added a huge presence on the glass in the win.

The Nets were led by Brandon Rachal with 14 points off the bench. Three Nets players finished the game with 13 points (guard Marcus Zegarowski, guard Josh Gray and guard Craig Randall II).

The Sea Dubs will play their final game of the Showcase Cup tomorrow night against the Lakeland Magic at 6:00 p.m. PST. For more information on the Santa Cruz Warriors, visit santacruzbasketball.com or call (831) 713-4400.