CLAREMONT- UC Santa Cruz men's basketball had a rematch against Pomona-Pitzer, the 25th-ranked team in the country, this Sunday afternoon and lost 77-73. 

The game started with nothing but net from Ian McCloskey making the score 1-0 with a free throw (18:43). Right after, Joseph Espy had a jump shot, putting the Banana Slugs in the lead 3-0 (18:23). The Sagehens were able to get a lead until Zino Okah made a great play with a fake shot and then a jumper that helped tie the game (6-6, 16:19). The Banana Slugs were able to get the biggest lead of the half with shots from Espy, Caden Breznikar, and a nothing-but-net three-pointer by Okah (23-17, 9:13). The Sagehens were able to come back and secure the lead for the first half with the score being 42-40 in Pomona-Pitzer's favor. 

The second half started with McCloskey driving through to help the Banana Slugs recover, making the score 44-42, with the Sagehens still in the lead (17:44). Wilson also helped the Banana Slugs with a 3-pointer making the score 54-49 (13:21). With the beautiful shots from McCloskey and Zach Granberry, the Banana Slugs were close to coming back with the Sagehens still in the lead (63-57, 7:22). In the last minute of the game, Okah made a pass right between defenders to Espy who made the shot (74-71, 0:21). Then Espy got a rebound and putback that made the score 76-73 in the final seconds, only needing three more points to tie the game (0:12). Yet, the Sagehens were able to win this match with the final score being 77-73.

McCloskey had the team high of 18 points and seven rebounds, while Okah had 15 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Espy added 16 points off the bench. As for the Banana Slug defense, Zach Granberry did an outstanding job with three steals, one block, and five points. 

The Banana Slugs (4-5) will next play at Whitman College (4-3) on Friday, December 8th at 8:00 PM.