MERCED, Ca. – UC Santa Cruz women's basketball claimed a dramatic 63-61 win over UC Merced on Saturday in a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final seconds. Alyssa Jackson's clutch layup with 5 seconds left secured the win for the Banana Slugs.
 
How It Happened
The game was tight throughout, with both teams tied at 15 after the first quarter. UCSC edged ahead in the second, outscoring UC Merced 15-11 behind stellar play from Jenna Gorton, who scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Merced fought back in the third quarter, cutting UCSC's lead to just one, but the Banana Slugs held up in the fourth, outlasting the Bobcats in a nail-biter finish.
 
Jackson delivered when it mattered most, scoring 13 points, including three critical three-pointers and the game-winning layup. Claire Galbo was also impactful, finishing with 14 points, seven rebounds, and five steals while hitting two key free throws in the third quarter. Emilie Ngo added eight points and three rebounds, contributing valuable defensive plays late in the game.
 
UCSC shot 39.7% from the field and went 11-for-14 from the free-throw line, maintaining their composure down the stretch. They also dominated the boards with 32 rebounds compared to Merced's 28 and forced 17 turnovers, leading to 18 points off Merced's mistakes.
 
The Banana Slugs look to win again in their next game against Willamette University on Monday, December 16th, in Salem, Oregon.