Newport News, VA - For the first time in program history the Regent University Men's Basketball team faced fellow Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference member, the University of California at Santa Cruz on Friday night.  The Banana Slugs made the long trip from the west coast to face three Virginia teams and the Royals would drive through the tunnel to host the game at the Freeman Center on the campus of Christopher Newport University.  Tonight was a chance for the Royals to build upon their win from earlier in the week, but they would face a physical front court from UC Santa Cruz that presented a battle under the basket.

Regent opened aggressively, trading baskets and briefly taking leads or tying the score as Freshman Grant Worley (Chesapeake, VA) knocked down 4 three-pointers in the half as part of his game-high 17 points (5-of-7 FG, 4-of-5 3PT).  Freshman Chauncey Gilliam (Chesapeake, VA) added a key three and layup, while Senior Darrin Clark (Chesapeake, VA) hit a pair of early threes. The Royals hit 6-of-9 threes in the first 20 minutes, and forced several UCSC turnovers keeping the game within single digits entering the half only trailing 37-29.  As the second half began, a three-pointer from Worley and basket by Gilliam,cut into the deficit helping Regent stay close.  Turnovers and free throw shooting played a key role in the Royals' run as they scored 38 points in the second half and outscored UCSC in several key categories including fast-break points (9-6) and points off turnovers.  Unfortunately, the Banana Slugs would hold on as Regent fell by a final score of 78-67..

Worley recorded a career high 17 points, while Gilliam finished with 12 points (3-of-6 FG, 5-of-6 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal.  In addition, Clark finished with 11 points as Senior Brendan Goods (Melbourne, FL) contributed 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block and Freshman Joshua Hanna (Chesterfield, VA) provided 8 points and 4 rebounds.  As a team, the Royals converted 19-of-26 free throws (73.1%) and generated 15 assists, forced 11 turnovers (leading to 13 points off turnovers), and grabbed 30 rebounds while recording 8 steals and a block.

Regent will be back in action on Tuesday, February 3rd when they travel to Staunton to face Mary Baldwin University.  Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00pm.  
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