G League Santa Cruz Warriors

Warriors Come from Behind to Defeat Mad Ants in Game One of 2015 NBA D-League Finals

Published on April 23, 2015 under NBA G League (G League)
Santa Cruz Warriors News Release


FORT WAYNE, Indiana. - The Santa Cruz Warriors fought back from a 20-point first-quarter deficit to defeat the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, 119-115, in Game 1 of the NBA D-League Finals Thursday night at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

Santa Cruz was paced by Elliot Williams who recorded a game-high 31 points and 8 assists. Ognjen Kuzmic had an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double, while Mychel Thompson added 24 for Santa Cruz.

Ramon Harris led the Mad Ants with 30 points and Jordan Crawford added 24 points and 11 assists in the loss, as all five Fort Wayne starters scored in double figures.

Santa Cruz would get off to a slow start, with the Mad Ants quickly sharpshooting their way to an early double-digit lead. Fort Wayne would lead by as many as 20 points in the first quarter, before Santa Cruz rallied back to cut the deficit to 12 by the start of the second frame.

The Warriors would continue to stay within striking distance of Fort Wayne, cutting their lead to single digits with back-to-back three-pointers from Craft and Williams late in the second quarter. They would enter the break trailing by 9 points, behind Elliot Williams's 17 first-half points.

The third quarter would see Santa Cruz outscore the Mad Ants 33-23 to give the Warriors their first lead in the game. Aaron Craft and Taylor Griffin each scored 12 points in the third quarter for Santa Cruz, which helped the visitors own a one-point advantage heading into the final frame.

Santa Cruz charged ahead in the fourth, outscoring Fort Wayne 33-30, in the final period to secure the victory.

The Warriors will head back to Santa Cruz on Sunday to host the Mad Ants in Game 2 and 3 (if necessary) of the NBA D-League Finals. Action is scheduled to tip-off at 4:00p.m. PST and will be broadcast on the Santa Cruz Warriors flagship station, KION 1460AM/101.1FM, and on ESPNU.

Tickets for the NBA D-League Finals are now on sale. Fans interested in purchasing playoff tickets are encouraged to log on to www.santacruzbasketball.com or call the Santa Cruz Warriors front office at (831) 713-4400.

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