Santa Cruz Warriors guard Yuri Collins drives the ball against the Rio Grande Vipers at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Mar 10, 2024 (Santa Cruz Warriors image)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Santa Cruz Warriors (15-11) used the facilities and court of their Parent affiliate Golden State, to devenomize the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (14-10), 112-105, on a nice Sunday Afternoon in Downtown San Francisco.

Brazilian forward Gui Santos led his Warriors to a scintillating seven point victory by offering 26 points and 8 rebounds in front of their rare second home court.

Rio Grande Valley got the scoring started in the competitive first quarter. However, there was one tie and two lead changes. RGV managed to attain a seven point advantage, while Santa Cruz led by three in the first 12.. The Vipers had a three point lead after one, 28-25.

In the second quarter, Rio Grande Valley extended their lead to 13, but the Warriors came all the way back to take the lead by recess. Santa Cruz was on top by 3, 62-59 after 24 minutes of play.

At the half, the Warriors shot 56% from the field, and a scorching 57% from beyond the arc. They also dropped 18 dimes (assists) compared to their opponents seven. The one drawback was their alarming 16 turnovers.

Santa Cruz had four players with double-figure scoring: including the aforementioned Santos (14), Jackson Rowe (15), Javante Green (12), and Jerome Robinson (10). The Vipers featured one 10+ points scorer, and that was Jarrett Culver with 21 points and 5 rebounds.

The third quarter was quite bizarre, as there was an 18-point turnaround performed by RGV. Santa Cruz led by as much as 10 points, but the cold-blooded reptiles overcame that deficit and took an 11-point lead at the buzzer. At least they thought they did? After further review, it was determined the Vipers did not get that last shot off in time, What would have been a 21-point turnaround, was reduced to 18. After 3, 88-80 RGV.

The final stanza had the “home” team outscoring their visitors 32-17, which resulted in their 7-point victory approximately an hour or so North of their Santa Cruz residence. The Warriors were victorious, 112-105 on their parent company;s court and city.

One other Warrior was added to the double-digit club after the 48-minute whistle. Yuri Cullins added 10 points and 8 assists to the tally. Santos finished with 26 points and 8 rebounds, Jerome Robinson, 16 points and 6 assists, Jackson Rowe remained at 15, while Green finished with 15.

The Vipers added four to their plateau. Culver led all players with 33 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists.Jermaine Samuels Jr. contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds, Ray Spalding 12 points and 6 rebounds, Josh Reaves (11) and Nate Hinton (10).

The two teams will face each other again, Tuesday, March 12, in “Surf City” at the Kaiser Permanente Arena.