REDLANDS, CA – The UC Santa Cruz men's basketball team nearly completed a second-half comeback but couldn't overcome a slow start, falling 91-85 to Redlands on Wednesday night. Despite a 52-point effort in the second half, the Banana Slugs could not erase the halftime deficit.
 
How It Happened
Redlands jumped out early in the first half, hitting eight three-pointers to build a 50-33 lead after 20 minutes of play. The Banana Slugs came alive in the second half, led by Ian McCloskey, who scored 15 of his game-high 26 points after the break. Joseph Espy was a force in the paint, finishing with 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Caden Breznikar added 11 points and nine rebounds off the bench. UCSC outscored Redlands 52-41 in the second half, cutting the lead to as little as four points in the final minute, but key free throws from Redlands sealed the game.
 
UCSC finished the game, shooting 41% from the field while dominating on the boards with 46 rebounds, including 18 offensive. Defensively, they forced 11 turnovers but could not complete the comeback.
 
The Banana Slugs will aim to regroup and end their road trip on a high note when they face Puget Sound on Saturday, December 28th.