(Interstat) — In a stunning New Year’s Eve upset, the Santa Cruz Warriors overcame a significant disparity in the standings and a lopsided pregame projection to defeat the Austin Spurs 111-102 in a G League contest Wednesday night at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.

The victory, which saw the Warriors improve to 4-15 while dropping the Spurs to 13-5, was fueled by a dominant performance on the glass and a pivotal third-quarter run that shifted the game’s momentum permanently in Santa Cruz’s favor. Interstat’s ELO system had given Austin a 92.10 percent probability to win prior to tipoff.

The game’s most critical sequence unfolded in the third quarter. After a Stanley Umude 3-pointer gave Austin a 60-57 lead with 9:22 remaining, the Warriors’ defense catalyzed a decisive response. Santa Cruz held the Spurs scoreless for over four minutes while embarking on an 11-0 run. The surge was capped by a Marques Bolden tip-in and a subsequent Bolden layup off a Jack Clark assist, pushing the Warriors’ lead to 68-60. Austin never recovered the lead, as Santa Cruz carried a 78-76 advantage into the final period and methodically extended it down the stretch.

Santa Cruz’s control was built on interior dominance and defensive activity. The Warriors outrebounded Austin 60-51 and blocked 12 shots, with center Charles Bassey serving as the anchor. Bassey, the game’s top star, recorded 17 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks in 27 minutes, providing a formidable presence that altered countless Spurs attempts.

Offensively, the Warriors spread the production. Malevy Leons scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Chance McMillian of Vallejo, California, added 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Taevion Kinsey contributed 17 points and Marques Bolden posted a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Austin was led by Stanley Umude’s game-high 26 points. David Jones added a versatile 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, and Elfrid Payton finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Despite their efforts, the Spurs struggled from the field, shooting just 37.3 percent overall and 29.3 percent from 3-point range. Santa Cruz was only marginally better at 44.1 percent from the floor but generated 17 second-chance points off 17 offensive rebounds.

The Warriors set an assertive tone early, leading 26-24 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 59-50 by halftime. Austin’s brief resurgence to start the third quarter was ultimately extinguished by Santa Cruz’s defensive stand and subsequent run.

The win provides a rare bright spot in a difficult season for Santa Cruz, which had lost its previous two games. For Austin, the loss is a surprising stumble for one of the G League’s top teams this season. The two teams are scheduled for a quick rematch at the same venue Friday night.