SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — The Salt Lake City Stars used a dominant first half to build an insurmountable lead and held off a persistent Santa Cruz Warriors squad for a 131-119 victory in a G League contest Tuesday night at Bruin Arena.

The Stars erupted for 44 points in the opening quarter, fueled by a blistering start from guard Max Abmas. The point guard scored 11 of Salt Lake City’s first 13 points, including three 3-pointers in the first three minutes, to immediately put the visiting Warriors on their heels. Salt Lake City’s offensive barrage continued in the second period, where they added 36 points to take an 80-61 lead into halftime.

Santa Cruz, which never led, showed resilience despite the early deficit. The Warriors kept pace offensively, scoring 29 points in each of the final three quarters, but could never muster the defensive stops required to cut meaningfully into the Stars’ advantage. Every Santa Cruz push in the second half was met with a timely Salt Lake City basket to maintain a comfortable margin.

The most critical phase of the game was undoubtedly the first quarter, where the outcome was largely decided. The Stars’ 44-point opening frame, a 15-point advantage over the Warriors, established a tone of offensive superiority that Santa Cruz could not overcome. Salt Lake City’s efficiency and ball movement, evidenced by six first-quarter assists, carved up the Warriors’ defense from the opening tip and created a hole too deep for the visitors to escape.

Salt Lake City improved its season record to 27-24 with the win, while Santa Cruz fell to 15-33. The Stars have now won five of the last six meetings between the two teams, including a 126-113 victory in January.

The Warriors return home to face the Texas Legends in a two-game series starting Friday. The Stars begin a road trip at the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Friday.