SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (Interstat) — The Santa Cruz Warriors erupted for 40 points in the fourth quarter to pull away from the San Diego Clippers for a 121-100 victory in a G League game Sunday at Kaiser Permanente Arena.

The game, a rematch from just two nights prior when San Diego edged Santa Cruz by four, turned decisively in the final period. Leading by just eight points entering the fourth, the Warriors opened the quarter on a 14-4 run to establish an 18-point advantage and never looked back, outscoring the Clippers by 17 in the frame to secure the win.

The most important part of the game was Santa Cruz’s dominant finish, fueled by a combination of stifling defense and efficient offense that completely stifled any chance of a San Diego comeback. After the Clippers cut the deficit to 10 points early in the fourth, the Warriors responded with a barrage of plays that sealed the outcome. Deivon Smith hit a floating jumper, Nate Williams connected on a 3-pointer, and Marques Bolden scored inside to force a San Diego timeout with the lead ballooning to 18. The Warriors’ ball movement was exceptional, with Smith orchestrating an offense that produced several easy baskets. Defensively, they forced a series of Clippers turnovers, including two steals by Malevy Leons that led directly to fast-break dunks, effectively extinguishing San Diego’s hopes.

Santa Cruz set an aggressive tone from the start, leading 35-32 after a high-scoring first quarter. San Diego fought back to take a narrow 61-58 lead into halftime, powered by 32 first-quarter points. The third quarter proved pivotal, as the Warriors’ defense clamped down, holding the Clippers to just 16 points to reclaim an 81-77 lead heading into the final stanza.

The Warriors improved their season record to 13 wins and 24 losses, while the Clippers fell to 22-20. The result avenged a 130-126 home loss to San Diego on Friday.

Santa Cruz’s balanced attack was key. Charles Bassey anchored the interior with multiple blocked shots and dunks, while the guard combination of Deivon Smith and Chance McMillian provided scoring and playmaking. Jack Clark and Malevy Leons hit critical 3-pointers and contributed to a relentless defensive effort.

For San Diego, Jahmyl Telfort shouldered much of the scoring load, but the team’s offense stagnated after halftime. TyTy Washington facilitated for stretches, but the Clippers could not sustain their early shooting efficiency against Santa Cruz’s intensified pressure.

The Warriors next play on the road against Stockton on Monday. The Clippers do not play again until hosting Rip City on March 11.