LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Women's basketball took on UC Santa Cruz in a Division III non-conference matchup on Sunday, November 24, falling 55-52.
 
It was a gritty defensive battle with both teams scoring 20 or fewer points in the first half – the Tigers led 20-19 heading into the locker room. The Banana Slugs shot 30% through the first two quarters, but exploded for 19 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field.
 
UCSC led by seven towards the end of the frame, but a two and a quick three from Emily Ko in the corner on a good find from Michelle Lagunas-Monroy cut the deficit to two. A defensive breakdown on the final possession of the third put the Slug lead back to five after a triple.
Oxy's offensive woes continued in the fourth, as the Tigers struggled to make shots down the stretch – as a team they shot just south of 27 percent from the field. 
 
The Tigers trailed by four with under 40 seconds to go, but Dara Tokeshi hit a pair of clutch free throws and Dominique Cabading drained a jumper and a free throw, the Tigers were down just four. Another big Ko three got the game to one, but with just .3 left on the clock it was too little too late for Oxy.
 
With the loss, the Tigers fell to 2-4 on the season. They're off until December 13 when they host SAGU American Indian College.