SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (Interstat) — In a frantic finish befitting their recent history, the Santa Cruz Warriors edged the Valley Suns 113-108 in a G League contest Monday night at Kaiser Permanente Arena.

The game, the second between the teams in three days, was decided in the final seven seconds by clutch free-throw shooting and a critical defensive stop.

With the score tied at 109, Santa Cruz’s L.J. Cryer was fouled on a loose ball and sank both free throws with nine seconds remaining to put the Warriors ahead for good. On the ensuing inbound play, Valley’s Damion Baugh found C.J. Huntley for an alley-oop layup to pull the Suns within one point with seven seconds left.

Valley immediately fouled Chance McMillian, who calmly made both free throws to extend the Santa Cruz lead to three. The Suns, out of timeouts, rushed the ball upcourt, but Huntley’s contested 3-point attempt to tie the game missed, and Cryer secured the defensive rebound as time expired.

The victory improved Santa Cruz’s record to 8-17, while Valley fell to 6-19.

The game was a tale of contrasting halves and a blistering fourth-quarter rally by the visitors. Santa Cruz controlled the first three quarters, leading 85-75 heading into the final period. The Warriors had built their advantage behind efficient offense, leading by as many as 15 points in the third quarter.

Valley erupted for 39 points in the fourth quarter, staging a dramatic comeback. The Suns’ surge was fueled by a combination of hot outside shooting and aggressive defense, forcing several Santa Cruz turnovers. Key 3-pointers from Marcus Burk and Baugh, along with a steal and score from Alex Schumacher, highlighted the run that saw Valley erase the double-digit deficit and briefly take the lead.

Baugh orchestrated much of Valley’s offense, particularly down the stretch, dishing out multiple assists in the final minutes. Burk provided critical scoring punches from the perimeter during the comeback attempt.

For Santa Cruz, McMillian was a steadying force, hitting timely shots and free throws. Charles Bassey provided interior presence, and Cryer contributed key baskets and free throws in the clutch. The Warriors managed to withstand Valley’s furious rally by answering nearly every Suns basket in the final two minutes and making their final four free throws to seal the win.

The game continued a trend of close contests between the two teams this season. Three of their four previous meetings had been decided by four points or fewer, including an overtime game. The Warriors have now won three of the five matchups this season.

Both teams return to action later this week. Valley hosts Stockton on Wednesday, while Santa Cruz welcomes Sioux Falls on Friday.