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ORLANDO, FL – The Santa Cruz Warriors (12-4) beat the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (9-7) in the quarterfinals of the 2020-21 NBA G League playoffs, 110-81. Santa Cruz will take on the winner of the Lakeland Magic and Erie Bayhawks game in a semifinal matchup on Tuesday, March 9 at 4:00 p.m. (PST) on ESPNU.
The Warriors held the Vipers to only 81 points (lowest total points for the NBA G League this season).
Forward Axel Toupane scored 18 of his team-high 24 points in the first half, helping the Warriors to 57-39 lead at the break. Santa Cruz started the second half on a 10-2 run and maintained at least a 20-point lead the remainder of the third quarter, 85-60.
All five Santa Cruz starters scored in double-figures. Golden State Warriors assignment forward Alen Smailagic finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. Toupane earned his fourth double-double of the season (24 points and 11 rebounds). Ryan Taylor added 17 points (5-of-8 3FG), while Jeremy Lin and Dusty Hannahs each added 12 points in the win.
Trevelin Queen led the Vipers with a season-high 35 points. Anthony Lamb added 15 points and six rebounds. The loss ended the Vipers’ six-game win streak.
For more information on the Santa Cruz Warriors, call (831) 713-4400 or visit santacruzbasketball.com.