Joe Jackson scored a game-high 31 points on 12-of-16 shooting, as the Bakersfield Jam (19-8) defeated the Santa Cruz Warriors (15-10), 102-89, Tuesday night at Kaiser Permanente Arena. Bakersfield finished the opening period on a 14-1 run and took a 27-17 lead after one quarter of play. In the second, the Jam stretched their lead to as many as 22 points, thanks in part to Jackson's 10-point quarter performance, and went into the break with a 55-39 advantage.
Santa Cruz outscored Bakersfield 28-19 in the third to pull within seven points entering the final frame (74-67). In the fourth, the Jam held their ground and had an answer for every run the Warriors made. At the 9:45 mark, Bakersfield's lead was cut to five points (78-73), but gathered themselves together on both ends of the floor to secure a road victory. Casey Prather had 20 points and five rebounds, while Jamil Wilson posted 17 points, seven rebounds and five blocks. Mac Koshwal finished with 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Warriors were led by Elliot Williams (18 points, 6 assists) and Taylor Griffin (14 points, 9 rebounds). Mychel Thompson tallied 12 points.
Next up, the Jam will travel to Los Angeles for a match against the D-Fenders on Friday, January 30 at 7:00 p.m. PT.
Press release from the Bakersfield Jam