On Sunday afternoon, the UC Santa Cruz Women's Basketball team played against California Lutheran in the Thanksgiving Classic and lost 59-45. 

The game started with a beautiful drive from Talysha Wilkerson securing the first two points on the scoreboard (2-0, 8:59). It was a close quarter highlighted with a driving layup from Jenna Gorton with an assist from Alexa Litchev (7-9, 2:18). The first quarter ended with California Lutheran in the lead (7-9)

The second quarter started with the Regals in the lead until Lilli Hammons had a turnaround jumper tying the match again 15-15 (6:34). Then, Alyssa Jackson secured two free throws putting the Banana Slugs in the lead (17-15, 5:03). And to top it all off, an all net three-pointer made by Uma Joshi gave UC Santa Cruz the lead 20-18 (4:25). Many shots and plays made by Celine Castaneda, Hammons, and Wilkerson that ensured the Banana Slugs would have the halftime lead 26-21. 

The third quarter started with Litchev stealing the ball to start the play and then having an offensive rebound and making the shot (28-21, 9:25). However, the Regals were able to come back and led 42-32 at the end of the third quarter. The Regals were still leading during the entire fourth quarter and held off the Banana Slug comeback to take the win. 

Castaneda led the team with 8 points, three steals, three assists, and four rebounds. Wilkerson, Jackson, Hammons, and Litchev each scored 7 points.  The Banana Slugs (4-2) will next play on ESPN against the University of California, Santa Barbara (3-2) on Tuesday, November 28th at 7:00 PM.