Santa Cruz Warriors guard (#77) Taevion Kinsey shoots a three-pointer in the 1st quarter against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on March 19th, 2026, at the Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz, CA.
By Michael Villanueva
SANTA CRUZ – Sea Dubs lost their first home game of the week, with still one more scheduled home game ahead this week on Saturday. The team lost against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Thursday, March 19th, at Kaiser Permanente Arena. Before this loss, Santa Cruz was already riding the wrong waves, as the team was on a 5-game losing streak prior. Going up against a team like the Vipers, which currently sits in 3rd place in the West, is a big challenge, with the team having just three more home games left. So, this wasn’t the result the Warriors were expecting in their home, with the final score being 108-99.
The Vipers’ last five games were 3-2, with their most recent game on March 17th being a loss to the Texas Legends, 108-104. Sea Dubs are holding a solid home record at 7-7. While the Vipers’ record on the road hasn’t been what the team wanted, 6-9. The NBA G League season is reaching its last five to six games of the season. Vipers are trying to hold 3rd place since the playoffs hold the top six teams in each conference. While the Sea Dubs are trying to keep swimming and fighting to get into the sixth spots, they’re currently in tenth place in the West.
The Sea Dubs started with guards Chance McMillian, Taevion Kinsey, forwards Jack Clark, Jacksen Moni, and center Marques Brown. Guard Chance McMillian is averaging 16.58 points per game and was hoping to carry the Sea Dubs to a win. Especially since Santa Cruz is 6-4 against the Vipers in the last 10 games played against each other.
Vipers sent out guards John Knight III, Daishen Nix, forwards Tristen Newton (2W), Cameron Matthews, and center Chase Jeter. Rio Grande is 2 games behind 1st place, South Bay Lakers, so any win count and helps at this point for them.
Right at tip-off, both teams were able to knock down three-pointers that got the fans in Kaiser loud and on their feet. However, it would be the Sea Dubs taking the early lead in the game due to them being more disciple and smart on their shot selection. Especially since they were shooting above 50% early in the game in all of their categories. While the Vipers were a little distraught at first, being on the road. Halfway through the 1st quarter, the Sea Dubs would hold a 7-point lead, 20-13.
Santa Cruz hustle was showing as they were leading in rebounds with 14 compared to Rio Grande’s 8 rebounds. Also, the Sea Dubs’ defense was on display as they had 4 blocks in the 1st. However, the Vipers would hit three three-pointers, which was able to put them back in the game. So with that, the Warriors and Vipers were tied, 26-26.
2nd quarter, the Warriors would become sloppy and careless with the ball at times. They already have 5 turnovers halfway through the 2nd quarter. Giving a helping hand to the Vipers as they were down by 1 point, 35-34, with 6 minutes left. Warriors forward Jacksen Moni would go on a solo 5-0 scoring run that sparked a scoring sequence for both teams. Also, with 4 minutes and thirty seconds left, the Vipers would take the lead by 1 point and push it to 3 points with an easy lay-up. A silent killer for the Warriors is their turnovers, with them having 8 versus Viper’s 1.
At halftime, the Vipers would lead the Sea Dubs, 56-42. A big scoring outbreak for the Vipers is going on, with a 14-5 scoring run to help extend their lead. With help on the Warriors’ end, due to them now having 14 turnovers. Rio Grande was able to get easy transition buckets and turnover points. The Warriors’ three-point shooting also wasn’t on their side. They were shotting 15.8%, going 3-of-19 on their attempts. The Warriors plan to come back from half more disciplined and determined to secure a home win this Thursday evening.
Vipers came out of the half ready to play and ultimately get the win. They would push their lead to one of the biggest in the night at 18 points. Vipers’ shooting and scoring was in well displayed as they pushed to find their inside man in the paint to get an easy bucket. With that, the Vipers would go on and score 40 of their points down there. So halfway through the 3rd quarter, the Warriors were down 14 points to the Vipers, 74-60.
After almost being down by 22 points in the final minutes of the 3rd quarter. The Warriors were able to still show some fight left in them. They would be able to drop the lead to 10 points entering the last quarter of the game. The Warriors’ turnovers would go to 17 in the game. So if Santa Cruz wants to get this win in their home, they’ll have to play smart in the final minutes.
The Warriors would open the fourth quarter by making their first two shot attempts. Then followed up by a big three-pointer by guard Chance McMillian to cut the lead by 5 points. A lot of back and fourth shots were taking place as both teams were trying all of their efforts to get this win. The Vipers’ defense showed out as they were able to pick up some crucial steals. The team would finish with 12 steals over the Warriors’ 4 steals.
In the final 2 minutes of play, the Warriors were down by 9 points, 104-95. Santa Cruz was really beating themselves as turnovers were, and they’re not making shots was the reason they were never able to regain the lead. Although it was impressive to see them almost come back from 22 points, especially in the 3rd quarter. Vipers would win the first one this week, 108-99. The Warriors were led by guard Chance McMillian with 17 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds.
Santa Cruz Warriors will come back to their home on Saturday, March 21st, to play once again, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The game time for that one will be at 7 p.m. on NBCSBA+. The Sea Dubs are now on a 6-game losing streak, so with their rematch against the Vipers. They look to get at least a win for their home crowd this week and snap that streak.
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