IOWA WOLVES (18-12) AT SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS (9-19)

Preview

BONNY DOON, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Iowa Wolves squad riding a three-game winning streak visits a struggling Santa Cruz Warriors team mired near the bottom of the G League standings in a matchup Friday night at Kaiser Permanente Arena.

The Wolves (18-12) enter having won seven of their last 10 games, including a 113-104 victory over Mexico City on Tuesday. Forward Alize Johnson has been a dominant force, averaging 22.8 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists over his last 10 contests. In Tuesday’s win, Johnson posted 26 points and 12 rebounds, while Enrique Freeman added 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Conversely, the Warriors (9-19) have lost four of their last five, most recently a 126-113 road loss to Salt Lake City on Monday. Forward Jack Clark logged a season-high 45 minutes in that defeat, finishing with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Clark has been a bright spot, averaging 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this season.

The teams’ recent trajectories paint a stark contrast. Iowa’s offense has been potent, scoring at least 113 points in each game during its current win streak. Santa Cruz has allowed an average of 117.8 points over its last five games, a defensive vulnerability the efficient Wolves are poised to exploit.

Johnson’s all-around play will be a primary focus for the Warriors’ defense. The veteran forward has recorded a double-double in six of his last 10 outings, including a 41-point, 10-rebound performance on Jan. 15. For Santa Cruz to compete, it will need a sustained effort from Clark and more consistent defensive intensity to slow Iowa’s momentum.

This game is the first of a two-game weekend set between the teams, with a rematch scheduled for Saturday at the same venue.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PST.