Santa Cruz Warriors Secure Opening Win Over Ontario Clippers, 129-128
November 5, 2022 – NBA G League (G League) – Santa Cruz Warriors News Release
SANTA CRUZ, CA – The Santa Cruz Warriors (1-0) beat the Ontario Clippers (0-1) 129-128 to open the 2022-23 NBA G League season Friday night at Kaiser Permanente Arena. Warriors guard Eli Pemberton scored the first basket of the 2022-23 season on an assist from guard Patrick Spencer.
The Warriors took an early lead in the first quarter, but the Clippers offense activated late to take a 34-29 lead heading into the second quarter. A strong offensive first half with 13 points each from Pemberton and guard Jerome Robinson gave Santa Cruz the edge over Ontario, taking a 63-60 lead at the half.
The contest remained competitive throughout the rest of the game, but a Pemberton alley-oop assisted by Robinson made the crowd get loud and gave the Sea Dubs a 10-point lead with a little more than five minutes remaining. The Clippers fought back to come within two points with just eight seconds remaining, but the Warriors hung on to secure the win, with a Malik Fitts buzzer-beating three cutting the margin to one.
Forward Zeke Moore had 20 points off the bench for the Warriors, and Pemberton followed suit with 20 points and five rebounds. Forward Trevion Williams finished with a double-double, notching 12 points and 18 rebounds.
Xavier Moon led both teams with 29 points and added seven rebounds. Fitts added 25 points and seven rebounds and Keaton Wallace finished with 13 points and six assists.
Santa Cruz is back in action Saturday night for a rematch with the Ontario Clippers at 7 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente Arena. The game will honor Hoops for Troops Night, which will pay special tribute to veterans and service members in the community. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a 2022-23 Santa Cruz Warriors schedule magnet, presented by Ticketmaster. For more information on the Santa Cruz Warriors, visit santacruzbasketball.com or call (831) 713-4400.
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