Ignite Falls Short Of Comeback In Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., March 15, 2024 – NBA G League Ignite (2-27) fell to the Santa Cruz Warriors (17-11), 102-88, on Friday at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz, Calif.

London Johnson led Ignite after posting 19 points, seven assists and three rebounds on 8-of-12 shots from the field, including 2-of-5 from the three-point line. Michael Frazier and Babacar Sane followed with 14 points apiece, while Frazier added five rebounds and two steals. Tyler Smith pitched in 10 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Thierry Darlan tallied nine points and 10 rebounds.

Kendric Davis paced the Warriors behind a game-high 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists on 8-of-16 shooting from the field, including 4-of-8 from behind the arc. Gui Santos and Pat Spencer poured in 16 points each. Jackson Rowe finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

In a tightly contested first half, the Warriors managed to edge out a seven-point lead at the halfway mark behind Gui Santos and Jackson Rowe, who poured in 10 points apiece in the half. London Johnson helped Ignite remain in striking distance after recording 11 first-half points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field, including 2-of-4 from behind the arc. The Warriors came out of the locker room on fire en route to a 24-9 run to take a commanding 22-point lead, the largest of the game, with 4:36 remaining in the third quarter. Despite the run, Ignite cut its deficit in half (75-64) heading into the fourth quarter. Ignite seemed to find its grove as it continued to chip away to find themselves trailing by two points late in the game. With 2:55 on the clock and a two-point lead, the Warriors closed the frame on a 14-2 run to escape with the victory.

NEXT UP

The two teams will square off again on Saturday, March 15, at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz, Calif., tipping off at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET. Coverage will be available on the NBA App and NBAGLeague.com.