The UC Santa Cruz women's basketball team played against No. 1 ranked New York University on Thursday at the West Field House and lost 87-63.
 
The first quarter started with NYU scoring the first points, but the Banana Slugs fought back with a driving layup from Alexa Litchev and an assist from Talysha Wilkerson. Wilkerson also helped keep the score tight with the Violets with two good free throws tying the game at 4. Wilkerson set up a beautiful play for Alyssa Jackson to drive through and secure points making it 18-11 with 3:09 remaining in the quarter. However, the Violets were able to hold onto the lead and ended the first quarter with a 26-19 lead.
 
The second quarter started with a scoop pass from Litchev to Lilli Hammons who made the jumper. Right after, Ariel Anderson made an outstanding layup with a missed block from the Violets making the score 30-23 with 6:58 remaining. Jackson finished the first half strong with a nothing-but-net three-pointer and good free throw shots making the score 37-32 (2:04). NYU continued to lead, ending the first half with a score of 42-35.
 
Wilkerson scored the first points in the third quarter with an assist from Anderson to get UC Santa Cruz within five (42-37, 9:26).The Violets, however, were able to secure many good shots to secure the lead, but the Banana Slugs did not give up.
 
Litchev started the fourth quarter with a driving layup to make the score 69-48 (9:42). The Banana Slugs played with high intensity trying to close the gap and pull off the comeback. Sadly, it was not meant to be as NYU got the win. Jackson had the team high with 20 points - her best scoring output of the season. Anderson had 11 points and five rebounds. Jenna Gorton's defense was outstanding with two steals and two blocks.
 
UC Santa Cruz women's basketball will face the University of Northwestern at 3:30 pm on Saturday at the West Field House.