SAN RAFAEL (1-6) – In their first game of the 2024 calendar year, UC Santa Cruz took on NCAA Division II Dominican University. The Penguins had a strong first half en route to a 71-59 victory over the Banana Slugs.

In the first half, the Banana Slugs would open the game with a Zach Granberry jumper, but the Penguins would take the lead for good. The Penguins would gain their largest lead of the half at 18-7 with 11:37 left in the half. The Banana Slugs would then go on an 8-0 run, capped by a Joe Espy jumper with 9:15 left in the half, to trim the Penguins' lead to 18-15. The Penguins went on another run to lead 33-24 at halftime.

In the second half, the Banana Slugs slowly came back, and Zino Okah hit a three to get them within six at 46-40 with 11:44 left. The Penguins responded with a 14-8 run to make the lead 60-48 with 6:52 remaining. The Banana Slugs couldn't get to within single digits the rest of the game and the Penguins would gain their largest lead of the ballgame at fifteen, at 69-54 with 1:01 left.

Ian McCloskey and Okah each had twelve points apiece. McCloskey also had four of UC Santa Cruz's seven steals. Espy had ten points off the bench. The Banana Slugs shot 32.8% from the field, 32% from three point range and 56.3% from the free throw line. The Banana Slugs also had a 43-36 rebounding advantage.
The next game for the Banana Slugs will be January 18^th as they take on Colorado College at Kaiser Permanente Arena on Staff Appreciation Night. Tip off is set for 7 pm.