Vipers Look to Sweep Season Series Against Struggling Warriors

BONNY DOON, Calif. (Interstat) — The surging Rio Grande Valley Vipers will look to complete a two-game road sweep of the Santa Cruz Warriors when the G League teams meet again Saturday at Kaiser Permanente Arena.

The Vipers (27-18) defeated the Warriors (14-30) 95-87 on Thursday night, extending Santa Cruz’s losing streak to four games. Rio Grande Valley has won seven of its last ten contests, while the Warriors have lost 10 of their last 12.

A key matchup will feature Rio Grande Valley guard J.D. Davison, who is coming off a stellar 27-point, nine-rebound, six-assist performance in a narrow loss to Texas on Tuesday. Over his last three games, Davison has averaged 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists.

Santa Cruz will counter with forward Jack Clark, who posted 22 points and nine rebounds in Tuesday’s 137-130 road loss to Capital City. Clark’s production has been inconsistent, however, scoring two points or fewer in two of his last five outings.

The Warriors’ defense, allowing a league-worst 124.3 points per game, faces a significant challenge against a Vipers offense that has scored 116 points or more in four of its last five games. Rio Grande Valley also won the teams’ only other meeting this season prior to Thursday’s victory.

Following Saturday’s game, the Vipers continue a road trip at Oklahoma City on Tuesday. The Warriors embark on a quick road trip, playing at Stockton on Sunday.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PDT.