February 14, 2006
Slugs Split in the Thin Air of Colorado

The UCSC Slugs traveled to Colorado Springs, Colorado for their final regular season games against University of Dallas, Crusaders and Colorado College, Tigers.  They took on the freezing cold and thin air and managed a split, finishing the season 8 and 18.  One of their best records in recent years.

The first game against the Crusaders, the Slugs got off to a sluggish start and trailed at the half 28-32.  The slugs shot a dismal 12-27, 44% from the field, 1-8, 12% from the three point line and 3-6, 50% from the freethrow line in the first half and their aggressive pressure defense was ineffective as the players were having a tough time adjusting to the altitude.

The second half the Slugs seemed to get a shot of adrenalin as they came charging out of the gates with their full court pressure and forced the Crusaders into numerous turnovers on their way back to taking the lead and eventually the game 71-65.

The Slugs leading scorer Jimmy Herrera led all scorers with 25 points, followed by Murphy Holmes who chipped in 12.

The next afternoon, the Slugs took on the host team Colorado College, Tigers who were celebrating Senior Night after coming off a big win against University of Dallas the first night of the classic.  This would be the second meeting of the year between the Slugs and the Tigers, with the Slugs coming out on top 61-58 in the first one.

The Tigers would strike the first blow as they came out charged up and took advantage of some poor shooting by the Slugs, 8-27 (29%) from the field and 3-13 (23%) from the three point line.  In fact, they were able to limit Herrera to just 2 first half points and went into half time leading 20-31.

Again the Slugs would come out and make a game of it in the second half as Herrera, 12 points and Jon Miller and Jon Mercado 9 points each, along with that full court pressure they have become known for to make it a game.

The Slugs would cause turnover after turnover and cut the lead to 6 points before Holmes and Hutton each fouled out and the altitude would take its toll.  Also, the Slugs would miss 5 critical freethows in the final minutes; while the Tigers would knock down every one of theirs and hold on to get the victory 54-62.

Next up for the Slugs will be the D-3 Western Region Tournament to be played at UCSC on February 24^th and 25^th.