Santa Cruz Warriors Drop Home Opener 127-107 Against San Diego Clippers

SANTA CRUZ, CA — The Santa Cruz Warriors (1-1) took their first loss in their home opener against the San Diego Clippers (3-1) 127-107 on Saturday night.

Guard Nick Boyd led the way for the Sea Dubs, scoring 19 points, recording eight rebounds and four assists on 8-of-12 shooting. Guard Miles Kelly also logged 19 points on 3-of-10 shooting from behind-the-arc with six rebounds and a new career-high five assists. Forward/center Jacksen Moni had 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists and forward Tyler Burton flirted with a double-double, recording 15 points, nine rebounds, and a team-leading three steals. Additionally, forward Elias Ralph scored a career-high 11 points, making his first three three-pointers of his young NBA G League career. The Warriors forced 13 turnovers from the Clippers, who led the league in least turnovers per game coming into the game.

The Clippers’ leading scorer was two-way forward Nick Martinelli, who posted 23 points (8-of-13 FG, 3-of-4 3P), eight rebounds, and two assists. Forward Jahmyl Telfort also had a near triple-double with 20 points (4-for-11 3P), seven rebounds, and eight assists. Center Nathan Mensah recorded his first double-double of the season, third of his career, with 11 points and 10 rebounds while adding on two steals, three blocks, and a game-leading +22. Guard John Poulakidas scored 19 points while shooting 7-of-12 from the field and 4-of-8 from behind-the-arc. San Diego had three other double-digit scorers: guard Fletcher Loyer with 11 points, guard Blake Wesley with 16 points, and guard Hunter Sallis who also scored 11 points. 

San Diego began the game strong, shooting 50% from the field and 40% from three while winning the first quarter 35-27. Santa Cruz hung around, though, thanks to a 7-2 run at the end of the first and shooting more efficiently in the second quarter. Ralph made two straight threes in the midst of an 11-2 run for Santa Cruz to cut the lead down to six. However, their hot shooting in the second wasn’t enough, as they went into the break down by 10 points.

The Clippers remained on fire in the second half, shooting 54.8% from the field and extending their lead to 16 at the end of the third quarter due to a 7-2 run at the start of the quarter. Across the two final quarters, San Diego went on a 19-8 run to widen their gap over the Warriors to 24 points early in the fourth quarter. Santa Cruz kept fighting, though, going on a 18-9 run late in the game to cut the deficit to 19 with under a minute left. 

The Warriors will continue their homestand at Kaiser Permanente Arena tomorrow for the second game of a back-to-back set against the San Diego Clippers to continue the 2026-27 Tip-Off Tournament. All fans in attendance will receive a Threes for Trees Replica Jersey, courtesy of IREN. The game will tip-off at 7 p.m. PT. For more information on the Santa Cruz Warriors, please visit santacruzwarriors.com or call (831) 713-4400. Stay up to date with the latest Santa Cruz Warriors news, scores, and exclusive content by downloading the official Santa Cruz Warriors app for iOS and Android.