Santa Cruz vs. Austin

AUSTIN, Texas (Interstat) — The Austin Spurs, one of the NBA G League’s top teams, will look to avenge a recent loss when they host the struggling Santa Cruz Warriors on Friday night at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.

The Spurs (13-4) enter the contest with the second-best record in the Western Conference, while the Warriors (3-15) own the league’s worst mark. However, Santa Cruz stunned Austin 66-62 just two days ago in a defensive-minded New Year’s Eve matchup.

Austin will rely on forward Harrison Ingram, who is coming off a dominant 26-point, 14-rebound performance in a 109-105 win over Mexico City on Dec. 27. Ingram has recorded a double-double in five of his last six games, averaging 18.2 points and 10.7 rebounds over that stretch.

Santa Cruz counters with forward Malevy Leons, who scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds in Sunday’s 106-96 loss to Osceola. Leons has been a bright spot, averaging 17.3 points and 5.9 rebounds over his last seven contests.

The Spurs have been strong at home this season and feature a balanced attack, with David Jones and Stanley Umude providing consistent scoring alongside Ingram. The Warriors, mired in a 2-8 stretch over their last 10 games, will need another gritty defensive effort like Wednesday’s to compete.

Friday’s game tips off at 7:30 p.m. CST. Austin travels to face South Bay next Friday, while Santa Cruz continues a road trip at Oklahoma City on Sunday.