The University of Mary Washington men's basketball team outlasted the University of California Santa Cruz, 74-71, in an action-packed contest throughout. Senior guard Zack Blue led four Eagles in double figures with 18 points; UMW improves to 12-7 on the season.
The first half was full of offense, as the Eagles shot 50% from the field (15-30), while the Banana slugs shot 48.3%, making 7-14 three pointers. Neither team could make a run, as both teams continued to score, and neither team led by more than four points in the opening frame (UMW on two occasions). Santa Cruz led by one, 38-37, at intermission.
The Slugs opened the second half with a three point play, and extended its lead to seven, at 51-44 with 15:34 left. Trey Pittman hit a jumper and Blue added a three point play to draw to within two, and but Santa Cruz quickly went back up by six, with a layup and pair of free throws. Blue hit a three pointer and Dorian Davis added a pair of free throws, but again UCSC answered and led, 67-62, with 7:31 remaining.
A three pointer from Daniel Peterson started the Eagles' late charge, cutting the deficit to 67-65, and a free throw from Drew Rowson cut the margin to one with 6:06 left. Back at the line Rowson connected on two more free throws to put the Eagles ahead, 68-67, with 5:09 left, Cameron McCravy added two more to build the lead to five. Peterson hit a pair of free throws down the stretch to build the lead to six before a buzzer beating three from Santa Cruz fell true for the 74-71 final.
Blue made 7-13 shots, including one three pointer and three free throws en route to a game-high 18. Peterson scored 15 and added seven rebounds, and junior Trey Pittman added 13. Rowson rounded out the quartet in double figures with 12 points.
The Eagles shot 43.6% from the floor for the game (24-55), making 5-17 three point shots and 21-27 free throws. Santa Cruz shot 43.9% (25-57), making 10-23 three point attempts and 11-21 free throws.
UMW will return to action on Wednesday night, when the Eagles visit Averett University at 7:00 p.m.