NEWBERG, Ore. - UC Santa Cruz's women's basketball team fought hard till the last second in tonight's game against George Fox University but ultimately fell 47-45. The Slugs shot 39.5% from the field and made an impressive comeback in the fourth quarter but were unable to secure the win.
 
How It Happened
The Banana Slugs started strong, with Emilie Ngo landing the first shot of the game. The Bruins proceeded to go on a run, scoring seven points before the Slugs caught up, pushing the game to 10-7 in favor of the Slugs. With a minute seventeen left in the quarter, George Fox managed to score six points, taking the first quarter of the game 13-10.
 
In the second quarter, both teams went neck and neck. UC Santa Cruz went four for four in free throws and shot 42.9% from the field, helping them maintain their standing in the game despite the Bruins taking half 23-20.

At the beginning of the third quarter, Jenna Gorton scored two early layups for UC Santa Cruz, bringing the game 25-24 in favor of the Bruins. Both teams proceeded to trade points before George Fox scored five points in a row for a 37-29 lead. The Slugs were not to be counted out yet; thanks to Claire Galbo's layup and Ngo's jump shot, the third quarter ended 37-33, leaving the Slugs trailing by four.
 
In the fourth quarter, UC Santa Cruz fought to close the gap the Bruins had built up. Claire Galbo and Lindsay Zientek both secured layups for the Slugs, tying the game at 40-40. George Fox managed to score a solid layup, which the Slugs made up for with two free throws from Galbo, for a second tie of 42-42. Ngo landed another layup for her 18th point of the game, followed by a free throw from Gorton; the Slugs pulled ahead for a 45-42 lead. Despite the Slug's best efforts, in the final minute and twenty-seconds of the game, George Fox landed a three-point shot and gained two free throws, which secured them a 47-45 win. 
 
The story of the game came down to turnovers, as UCSC had 25 on the night while George Fox had 15. The Bruins were able to capitalize on the extra opportunities, scoring 19 points off the Banana Slugs turnovers.
 
The Banana Slugs will regroup as they prepare for tomorrow's game against Lewis and Clark University in Portland, Oregon.