Sports
Warriors Outlast BayHawks, 96-95
The Warriors escape with a tight win and move back into first place.
The Santa Cruz Warriors squeaked out a tough win against the visiting Erie BayHawks, 96-95, keeping their record at Kaiser Permanente Arena perfect.
It was a complete team victory as the Warriors had 25 total assist and seven players in double figures. Stefhon Hannah lead the team with 11 assists and he turned the ball over just once. Even though he had a tough night shooting the ball, 1-13 from the field, his passing and defense made a difference.
“He had 11 assist and one turnover,” said head coach Nate Bjorkgren. “And that’s what we need out of him. He was distributing the ball nicely.”
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The game was close from the beginning, but the BayHawks gained an 11 point lead on the Warriors with just under four minutes left in the first half. The Warriors then went on a 8-1 scoring run to end the half and cut the lead to just two points, 52-54.
They traded baskets and leads deep into the fourth until the Warriors lead was trimmed down to just one. Hannah then showed why he was the D-League defensive player of the year last season as he stole the ball and was fouled going to the basket. He would make only one of his two free throws to extend the lead to two.
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The defense once again tightened up and force a BayHawk turnover. Darington Hobson would hit a three the next possession for the Warriors, but the BayHawks wouldn’t go away as Erik Daniels answered with a three of his own.
The Warriors Jeremy Tyler would be fouled, but he could only covert one of his two shots. Daniels would hit another jump shot for the BayHawks to bring them within just one point, 96-95. They would get one final chance with four seconds left to win the game. The BayHawks final shot clanked off the rim and a last second tip just slid off.
“It was a heck of a finish,” said Bjorkgren. “I though there was some chances by both teams.”
“It was just a physical game and guys really flying around the rim.”
Travis Leslie sat out again with a groin injury that has bother him for the past week.
The Warriors now stand at 14-7 after the win and are tied with the Bakersfield Jam for the best record in the West. The Jam will be at Kaiser Permanente Arena in a fight for the top spot in the division this Monday the 21st.
