The Santa Cruz Warriors recorded a solid victory against the South Bay Lakers, winning 89-76 at the Kaiser Permanente Arena on Saturday night. This victory brings the Warriors to a 4-4 record for the season.
Kevin Knox II, a forward for the Warriors, was the standout scorer for the fifth game this season, tallying 18 points. Two-way guard Reece Beekman had an impressive performance as well, achieving his first career double-double with 16 points, 10 assists—leading all players—and seven rebounds. Blake Hinson also contributed significantly, coming off the bench to score 15 points and grab seven rebounds.
On the opposing side, Vincent Valerio-Bodon was the top scorer of the night with 23 points and five rebounds for the Lakers, while center Kylor Kelley added 16 points, nine rebounds, and an incredible eight blocks. Grayson Murphy provided additional support with 13 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
The game commenced with the Lakers establishing an early 11-2 lead, but the Warriors quickly bounced back, ending the first quarter just one point behind at 25-24. In the second quarter, a quick three-pointer from Knox sparked an 11-point streak for Santa Cruz, allowing them to maintain a narrow 52-48 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw Santa Cruz capitalize on their defense, holding the Lakers scoreless for over four minutes. The teams engaged in a defensive battle, with the Warriors retaining a 68-63 advantage heading into the final quarter. Despite South Bay’s efforts to reclaim the lead, an electrifying alley-oop dunk from Beekman to Knox fueled the Warriors’ momentum, securing their victory as the game concluded.
Looking ahead, the Santa Cruz Warriors will embark on a four-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against the Valley Suns on December 5. The Warriors are set to return home for a back-to-back series against the San Diego Clippers on December 14 and 15, rounding out the Tip-Off Tournament.
For fans wanting more updates on the Santa Cruz Warriors, downloading the official app for iOS and Android is encouraged, or they can visit their website for ticket information.
This victory puts the Warriors in a promising position as they head into their upcoming matches, highlighting the team’s ability to adapt and rally throughout the game. It’s an exciting time for fans as they look forward to more thrilling performances in December.