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G League Santa Cruz Warriors

Warriors Rally to Defeat Energy

December 21, 2016 - NBA G League (G League)
Santa Cruz Warriors News Release


DES MOINES, Iowa - The Santa Cruz Warriors (7-7) defeated the Iowa Energy (2-13) 99-96 on Tuesday night at Wells Fargo Arena. Six different players scored in double-figures for the Warriors en route to a fifth consecutive win.

Elgin Cook led the Warriors with a solid performance off the bench, finishing with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Alex Hamilton added 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, while Cam Jones contributed 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals for Santa Cruz.

In just his second start of the season, Terry Whisnant scored a career-high 29 points for Iowa. JaKarr Sampson recorded 21 points, 8 rebounds and three assists. Matt Costello finished with a double-double despite coming out with an injury late in the fourth quarter. The D-League's leading rebounder posted 18 boards to go along with 13 points in 38 minutes of action.

The Warriors got off to a slow start to begin the game, and were outplayed by the Energy during the first half of the game. A 17-5 run from Iowa to open the second quarter helped the hosts to an 18-point advantage, their largest lead of the night. The Warriors would respond with a 9-0 run to limit the deficit to 7 points entering the break.

Both teams struggled to find their offensive groove coming out of the locker room, putting up a mere 14 points apiece in the entire third period. A balanced scoring effort from the Warriors in the final frame allowed Santa Cruz to rally back within striking distance of Iowa. After leading for most of the game, the Energy gave up back-to-back layups to Elgin Cook with 28.7 seconds remaining, giving the Warriors a 95-93 advantage. After a three-point field goal from JaKarr Sampson brought Iowa within one point, the Warriors hit four consecutive free throws to seal the game.

The Santa Cruz Warriors travel to South Dakota to take on the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 4:30 p.m. PST at the Sanford Pentagon. Fans can catch the game on Facebook Live, by visiting the Santa Cruz Warriors' Facebook page at tip-off.

Santa Cruz Warriors tickets can be purchased at the Santa Cruz Warriors headquarters at 903 Pacific Avenue, online at www.santacruzbasketball.com or over the phone at (831) 713-4400.

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