FREDERICKSBURG, VA -- UC Santa Cruz men's basketball lost 74-71 to the University of Mary Washington to finish their Coast-To-Coast Conference road trip.
The Banana Slugs went to 10-11 after their two-game win streak was snapped.

The first half started with a putback from Caden Breznikar helping tie the score up (2-2, 18:25). Then, Ian McCloskey helped the Banana Slugs secure the lead with two open three-pointers making the score 8-7 (16:13). In the last 6 minutes of the half, Tyler Kessinger made three consecutive wide-open three-pointers to help the Banana Slugs recover from a deficit (35-34, 3:18). The first half ended with the Banana Slugs in the lead 38-37 after a free throw by Zino Okah.

The second half started with the Banana Slugs staying in the lead with great shots by Okah, Treyson Keating, McCloskey, and Joseph Espy. Then, back-to-back nothing-but-net three-pointer shots from Keating and Wilson made the score 61-56 (9:58). Unfortunately, the Eagles gained the lead in the last five minutes of the match and held off the Banana Slugs. Kessinger was able to get a buzzer-beater shot for the final three-point margin. Kessinger had a team-high 12 points all on three-point attempts. Keating had 11 points along with two rebounds and two assists. Espy had 10 points and 7 rebounds.
UC Santa Cruz will next play against Fresno Pacific University on Wednesday, January 31st in Fresno at 5:00 PM.