Alexa Litchev led UC Santa Cruz with 14 points as the Banana Slugs' comeback came up short in a 65-56 loss to Pacific University in the first game of the 2023 December Classic at Kaiser Permanente Arena.

The Boxers led 20-17 after one quarter on the strength of six made three-pointers. The visitors led 35-28 at halftime and pushed their lead to as much as 17. However, an amazing four-point play off a three-pointer and a free-throw by Amanda Inserra started a 14-3 run. The run was topped off by a three-pointer in the corner by Alyssa Jackson that beat the horn and put the Banana Slugs within six at 52-46.

However, the Boxers opened the fourth quarter with a 10-4 run that gave them a 62-50 lead with under five minutes left. A layup by Jackson with 2:01 left got UC Santa Cruz back within eight but the Boxers managed the clock and held on for the win. Litchev finished 7-for-12 from the field for her season-high in points, and added seven rebounds. Inserra and Jackson each finished with 10 points with two steals. Lilli Hammons led all players with ten rebounds, while Ariel Anderson added eight rebounds and two blocks.
The Banana Slugs finished the game 23-53 on field goals (43.4%) and had a 38-31 rebound advantage.

Pacific's Brilie Kovaloff led all players with 18 points, including going 4-for-5 on three-pointers.
The Banana Slugs next take on Hamilton College on Thursday the 21st.