SANTA CRUZ, Ca. – UC Santa Cruz men's basketball held their ground in a tightly contested matchup against Whitman College, earning an 83-79 victory at Kaiser Permanente Arena. Strong offensive execution and clutch defensive stops helped the Banana Slugs secure the win in a game that featured nine ties and eight lead changes.
 
How It Happened
The Banana Slugs established an early edge, heading into halftime with a 46-39 lead behind efficient shooting and aggressive play. The second half saw Whitman push back, narrowing the gap several times. With under two minutes remaining, Whitman briefly claimed the lead, but UCSC responded with key plays on both ends of the court, including crucial free throws in the closing seconds to seal the victory.
 
Joe Espy led the way with 23 points, six rebounds, and three blocks, providing consistent scoring throughout the game. Zino Okah recorded a double-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals, anchoring the team defensively. Caden Breznikar added 13 points, four steals, and a block, delivering pivotal plays in the game's critical moments. Zach Granberry also contributed defensively, adding two steals as UCSC forced 17 turnovers in total.
 
The Banana Slugs showcased their efficiency, shooting 53 percent from the field and scoring 40 points in the paint. UCSC also tallied 23 points off turnovers and grabbed 32 rebounds, outworking Whitman to maintain control.
 
The Slugs are back in action against Menlo College on Tuesday, November 26th, at 4:00 PM in Atherton, California.