Santa Cruz Warriors Fall to Birmingham Squadron in Overtime, 126-124

March 9, 2023

The Santa Cruz Warriors (12-13) fell to the Birmingham Squadron (8-19), 126-124, on Thursday evening at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, AL. 

   Guard Moses Moody, on assignment from Golden State, led the Warriors with 27 points and six rebounds. Guard Jerome Robinson added 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists and forward Gui Santos and guard Dusty Hannahs contributed 14 points each. 

   The Squadron were led by guard Kelan Martin with 30 points and guard Dereon Seabron followed with a double-double, notching 19 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Daeqwon Plowden contributed 19 points off the bench and forward James Kelly, Sr. added 18 points and nine rebounds.   

   The Warriors offense dominated in the first quarter, heading into the second frame with a 19-point lead, 40-21. The Squadron fought back to close the lead in the second quarter and bring the score to within eight points, heading into the second half trailing the Warriors, 68-60. 

   The Warriors maintained the lead throughout the third quarter, eventually building to a 14-point advantage over the Squadron. Birmingham came back to take the lead with 44 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Sea Dubs tied up the game at 119, sending the contest into overtime. The two teams went back and forth, but a layup by Kelly, Sr. pushed Birmingham to the target score of 126 and secured the win for the Squadron.

   The Warriors return to Kaiser Permanente Arena on March 11 at 7 p.m. to face the Westchester Knicks and host the team’s annual Women’s Empowerment Month Night, presented by Rakuten. The first 1,000 fans will receive a Women’s Empowerment Month t-shirt, presented by Rakuten. To purchase tickets or for more information on the Santa Cruz Warriors, visit santacruzbasketball.com or call (831) 713-4400.