MARSHALL, Tx. - UC Santa Cruz's women's basketball team had a solid first quarter but could not catch up with the momentum gained by East Texas Baptist University in the second quarter, ultimately leading to a 76-46 loss for the Slugs. 

How It Happened
Alexa Litchev scored the game's first points, giving the Slugs the early 2-0 lead before scoring four more points to put UCSC up 6-4. Throughout the first quarter, both teams went head to head, tying the game five times within 10 minutes. However, in the last seconds of the first quarter, the Tigers put up three points, pulling ahead for the 19-17 lead. In the second quarter, UC Santa Cruz struggled to make their shots and ultimately was unable to keep up with East Texas Baptist as they scored 23 points compared to UCSC's 9. The Slugs came out of half trailing by 16.

Despite their best efforts, UC Santa Cruz was unable to close the gap the Tigers continued to build throughout the third quarter, finding themselves in a  61-30 deficit. The fourth quarter saw the Slugs give it all they had with shots from Claire Galbo, Lindsay Zientek, Ally Co, and newcomers Lia Papador and Danielle Tyner. Despite managing to outscore the Tigers in the fourth quarter, it was not enough to close the gap built up by East Texas Baptist, leaving the Slugs with a 76-46 loss.

The Banana Slugs will regroup and head back to their home court, where they will face Menlo College this Tuesday, January 7th, in the West Field House.