Oakland, CA - Holy Names comes into tonight's game riding a 5 game winning streak and taking on the Banana Slugs of UC Santa Cruz tonight. The Hawks jumped out on the Banana Slugs, but allowed them back in the game. Second half proved to be a battle, but HNU found a way to win behind two crucial charges and free throws in the en to seal the two point victory 75-73.

Karlos Grier opened the game with a drive to the basket, but Santa Cruz scored six seconds later to tie the game at 2 all. HNU managed to build a 10 point lead at the 12:16 mark after a 12-footer by freshman Richard Craig. Santa Cruz mounted a small run to cut the Hawks lead to six 21-15 at the 10 minute mark. The Banana Slugs struggled to score due to HNU's full court trapping press. Holy Names closed out the half with a small run and go in at half with a nine point lead (40-31).

"I thought we started the game well. We came out and dictated tempo to start, but to the credit of UCSC they really settled in and found a way to crawl back into the game," says Coach Sanchez.

The second half started with Fabian Lopez shooting mid-range shot, putting the Hawks up 11. Karlos Grier followed up with a lay-up, pushing the lead to 13. The Banana Slugs would fight back and cut the Hawks lead to 6 after Brent Jacobs hit 2 free throws. Holy Names managed to keep a 5 point lead until the 6:11 mark. Santa Cruz mounted a 5-0 run to tie the game at 64 all with 4:12 left in the game. After a three pointer by Trent Reeves, UCSC would take it first lead of the game 64-67. Hawks would answer back 19 seconds later with a three pointer by freshman Richard Craig on a kick out from Packie Turner on the post.

At 69 all with :52 seconds the Banana Slugs would have an opportunity to take the lead, but Patrick Turner would come up big drawing an offensive foul on Trent Reeves giving the Hawks an opportunity with :42 seconds to take the lead. After a brief timeout by the Hawks, HNU came out and attempted to execute their quick-hitter and missed the shot, but it was Patrick Turner once again coming up with two monster offensive rebounds and a put back to give the Hawks a two point lead 71-69.

"The play was meant for a post entry, but we managed to get some penetration, luckily Patrick Turner was there at the right place at the right time and had a monster put back for us," added Coach Sanchez.

With 27 seconds left in the game UCSC had the ball and opportunity to tie the game or take the lead. The Banana Slugs went in the post to Brent Jacobs, but Karlos Grier was there on the weak side to draw the charge with 14 seconds left in the game. HNU would hit the next four free throws to seal the game with a 75-73 final.

"This is one of those games where I am glad we came up with the win, but there is so much to fix before our next game. We can only take it one game at a time. I am glad to see my team be resilient and not get rattled, especially when Santa Cruz took the lead. We have a mature group of guys that refuse to lose right now, and that's a great mindset to have," added Coach Sanchez

The Banana Slugs finished with four in double figures with Brent Jacobs leading the way with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Spencer Wells added 11 points and Trent Reeves and Kevin Konopelski each added 11 points.

Karlos Grier led the way with 23 points for the Hawks. Obie Woods rounded off double figure scoring for the Hawks with 11 points off the bench. Notably, Zac Sewitsky and Richard Craig came off the bench to each chip in with 9 points.

Next for the Hawks is a conference match-up against the Keelhaulers of California Maritime. Both teams are 4-0 in California Pacific Conference play and the winner of this gives themselves a one game cushion in conference play.

Game is Thursday, January 19 at 7:30pm in Vallejo, CA.

Come out and support your Hawks!