Warriors Topped by Los Angeles
February 19, 2016 - NBA G League (G League)
Santa Cruz Warriors News Release
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The defending NBA D-League Champion Santa Cruz Warriors (12-21) were defeated by the Los Angeles D-Fenders (18-16) 113-103 Thursday night at the Toyota Sports Center.
Verdell Jones III and Darington Hobson led Santa Cruz with 27 points apiece. Aaron Craft posted 18 points, going 75% from beyond the arc, while Daniel Coursey added 10 points.
Justin Harper paced the D-Fenders with a double-double, recording 34 points and 11 rebounds. Vander Blue scored 28 points and 7 rebounds, while Ryan Gomes notched a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The first quarter was tightly-contested, complete with 10 lead changes and 6 ties. Though the Warriors would tie the D-fenders three different times in the second frame, the visitors were never to lead, despite a 12point quarter from Darington Hobson. The D-Fenders would hold a five-point advantage heading into the break.
Los Angeles outscored Santa Cruz 31-23 in the third quarter, leading by as many as 20 points. Santa Cruz would respond by outscoring the D-Fenders 31-28 in the fourth quarter, coming within 3 points at the 4:24 mark. The late rally was not enough to secure the comeback win, as Los Angeles notched the 113-103 victory.
The Warriors outrebounded the D-Fenders 60-54, scored more points in the paint 50-44, notched more fast-break points 20-14, and scored more second-chance points18-10.
The Santa Cruz Warriors return home to take on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers tomorrow at 7 p.m. PST. Fans can watch the game on the NBA D-League's YouTube channel, via www.santacruzbasketball.com.
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