UC Santa Cruz outscored Whitman College 40-25 in the second half to erase a halftime deficit and defeat the Blues 65-57 on Sunday evening at Kaiser Permanente Arena.
The Banana Slugs broke a two-game losing streak to go to 2-4. It was UCSC's first-ever win over Whitman (1-5) in 15 all-time meetings.
The Banana Slugs dug themselves in a hole early and trailed by 7 at halftime after 16 first-half turnovers. Whitman was up 41-31 4 minutes into the second, but UCSC rolled off a 19-7 run that was capped by Sam Nangle's three to take the lead for good at 50-48 with 8:09 left.

Avri Finch had his second double-double of the weekend, finishing with team-highs of 14 points, 16 rebounds along with 4 assists. Freshman Zino Okah had a career-high 11 points off the bench plus three blocked shots. Okah also went 2-4 from three-point territory.
"I just came out and tried to play hard, and settle in the game," said Okah after the game. "It's been fun this season. It's been an up-and-down ride, but we're still grinding and playing hard."

Overall, UC Santa Cruz shot 48.1% field goals (25-52) for the game and finished with a 52-22 overall rebound advantage. 
The Banana Slugs continue their homestand when they play Redlands 3pm Saturday afternoon at the West Field House on campus.