STORM LAKE, IOWA - UC Santa Cruz had a slim lead at halftime, but host Buena Vista used a 14-2 run midway through the second half to take the lead and hold off the Banana Slugs 107-92.

Buena Vista opened the game up 5-0, but UC Santa Cruz answered with a 12-4 run, bookended by a three-pointer and layup from Zino Okah, to take a 12-9 lead. There were five ties and six lead changes overall in the first half, but the Banana Slugs closed with a three from Justin Yasukochi with :06 seconds left for a 44-41 lead at the break.

The game stayed close in the second half, but with the score tied at 66-all, Buena Vista went on their big run to take an 80-68 lead with 7:10 left. The host hit free throws down the stretch to stop the chance for a Banana Slug comeback.

Tyler Kessinger and Avri Finch each had 18 points for UC Santa Cruz. Finch had a team-high 13 rebounds for his second-straight double-double. Okah finished with 17 points, while Ian McCloskey and Calvin Keyes had 16 and 10 respectively.
The Beavers shot 88.2% from the line, including 23-25 (92%) in the second half. BVU's Zane Neubaum led all scorers with 36 points.
The Banana Slugs are now 8-6 and conclude the roadtrip Tuesday afternoon at Nebraska Wesleyan.