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Santa Cruz Warriors

Santa Cruz Storms from Behind to Win on the Road in Overtime, 121-116

February 28, 2024 - NBA G League (G League)
Santa Cruz Warriors News Release


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The Santa Cruz Warriors (12-9) started their five-game road trip with an overtime win against the Oklahoma City Blue (11-12), 121-116, on Wednesday morning at Paycom Center.

Forward Javon Johnson led Santa Cruz with 27 points off eight made three-pointers and 3-for-3 shooting from the free throw line. Two-way center Usman Garuba followed with 16 points and 16 rebounds, including the game-winning three-pointer in overtime to seal the game for the Sea Dubs. Guard Donovan Williams added 15 points, and forward Jackson Rowe contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds in his return from international duty. Two-way guard Pat Spencer and guard Marcus Burk came off the bench to combine for 27 points in the Warriors road win.

On assignment from the Oklahoma City Thunder, guard Lindy Waters III led the Blue with 34 points. Two-way guard Adam Flagler contributed 20 points, and two-way forward Ousmane Dieng followed with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Two-way forward Keyontae Johnson rounded out the Oklahoma City offense with 14 points and six rebounds.

The Warriors opened the contest with all five starters quickly scoring from deep to build a 22-14 lead with six minutes left in the frame. However, the Oklahoma City offense capitalized to close the gap and end the period with a 32-29 deficit. Both teams continued to battle in the second quarter until back-to-back three-pointers from Waters III gave Oklahoma City their first lead of the game, 59-55, with three minutes remaining in the frame. Defensive adjustments from both sides forced both teams to play to a stalemate, and the Warriors entered the break narrowly trailing, 63-60.

A Spencer floater early in the second half reclaimed a 69-68 lead for the Warriors before a shootout commenced with six made three-pointers - each team hitting three apiece - in quick succession, courtesy of Johnson and Rowe for the Warriors and Waters III and Flagler for the Blue. Oklahoma City proceeded to stay hot on offense to end the quarter with their largest lead of the game, 98-89. Santa Cruz fought back in the final frame with Johnson hitting his eighth made shot from distance to close in on the Oklahoma City lead. Guard Kendric Davis tied the game at 114 with a three-pointer and drew back-to-back charges on consecutive defensive possessions with two minutes remaining to send the game into overtime. Five straight points from Garuba, including the game-winning three-pointer, gave the Warriors the win in their third consecutive overtime game.

The Santa Cruz Warriors will face the Oklahoma City Blue again in the second game of their back-to-back series on Thursday, February 29 at 5 p.m. (PT) before traveling to Mexico City on the next stop of their five-game road trip. The Sea Dubs return to the Bay Area on Sunday, March 10 to host the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, at 12:30 p.m. (PT). The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a Longboard Looney Bobblehead, presented by Adobe. 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.

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