The Santa Cruz Warriors (1-2) beat the Oklahoma City Blue (2-1) Friday morning in Oklahoma City, 84-75. Seth Cooper earned his first win as the Santa Cruz Warriors head coach in Friday's victory. Both teams got off to a slow start with an opening quarter score of 18-17. The Blue then opened the second quarter with a 16-2 burst to build a 13-point lead, 33-20, midway through the second. Santa Cruz found a spark of their own to finish the first half on a 15-2 run and went into halftime with a two-point lead, 37-35. The third quarter was more balanced with neither team gaining more than a five-point advantage. Santa Cruz then found a 12-point lead midway through the fourth and held on for their first victory of the Showcase Cup. Warriors forward Axel Toupane led all scorers with 27 points (8-16 FG) and 13 rebounds. Golden State Warriors two-way guard Jeff Dowtin Jr. added 18 points and seven rebounds. Oklahoma City Thunder assignment center Isaiah Roby had a double-double (14 points and 13 rebounds). Oklahoma City Thunder two-way guard Aaron Wiggins also added a double-double for the Blue (11 points, 10 rebounds). Santa Cruz is back in action against Oklahoma City on Sunday, November 14 at 9:00 a.m. PST. For more information on the Santa Cruz Warriors, visit santacruzbasketball.com or call (831) 713-4400. Santa Cruz Warriors News Release
