Santa Cruz Warriors Fall To Sioux Falls Skyforce In Regular Season Opener, 105-102

SANTA CRUZ, CA – The Santa Cruz Warriors (0-1) fell to the Sioux Falls Skyforce (1-0), 105-102, on Thursday evening at Kaiser Permanente Arena to kick off the regular season. 

Guard Pat Spencer finished the night with a double-double for the Sea Dubs, notching 22 points and 11 rebounds. Two-way center Usman Garuba also earned a double-double, ending the night with 16 points and 18 rebounds. Forward Donovan Williams closed out the contest with 22 points and five rebounds. 

Center Orlando Robinson led the Skyforce with 21 points and 10 rebounds, and guard Jamaree Bouyea followed closely with 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Forward Justin Champagnie contributed 18 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in the Skyforce win. 

Robinson’s eight first-quarter points allowed the Skyforce to hold a 13-point advantage and close out the frame with a 36-23 lead over the Warriors. Santa Cruz opened the second quarter with seven straight points to narrow the gap and bring the Sioux Falls lead down to just three points, 38-35, mid-way through the frame. The contest remained close through the remainder of the period, and a running layup from Skyforce guard Bryson Warren at the buzzer secured a 50-47 Sioux Falls lead to end the half.

The contest remained competitive throughout the third quarter until an 8-0 Skyforce run pushed Sioux Falls to an 83-75 lead heading into the final frame. After falling behind by 14 points in the fourth quarter, the Sea Dubs brought the score to within just two points, 100-98 with less than two minutes remaining in the contest. The two teams continued to battle as the game clock wound down, but a late free throw from Bouyea sealed the win for the visiting Sioux Falls Skyforce, and the Sea Dubs fell 105-102. 

Santa Cruz is back in action tomorrow night for a rematch with Sioux Falls at 7 p.m. PT. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Paper Plane Klay Bobblehead. 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. Fans interested in securing the best seats at the lowest price are encouraged to call (831) 713-4400 or visit santacruzbasketball.com for more information.