Warriors outscore Hustle in 134–116 win
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — Santa Cruz guard Deivon Smith delivered a dominant 32-point performance as the Warriors powered past the Memphis Hustle 134–116 on Thursday night at Landers Center, using a 43-point second quarter to take control and never look back.
Smith shot 9-of-17 from the field, added 10 free throws, and filled the box score with nine rebounds and seven assists. Santa Cruz (10–9) placed seven players in double figures, including Jacksen Moni with 17 points and five made threes, and Taevion Kinsey with 17 points. The Warriors shot 51.1% from the floor and 48.6% from three.
Memphis (4–16) was led by Nate Hinton’s 29 points and 13 rebounds, while Tyler Burton added 27 points and Eric Dixon scored 24. Despite four Hustle players topping 20 points, Memphis struggled to slow Santa Cruz’s perimeter shooting and transition scoring. The Warriors outscored the Hustle 20–15 on the break and led by as many as 22.
Santa Cruz built a 71–54 halftime lead and maintained control throughout the second half, answering every Hustle push with timely threes and efficient ball movement. The Warriors finished with 31 assists on 45 made field goals.
The Hustle outscored Santa Cruz 60–52 in the paint but could not overcome the Warriors’ shooting efficiency and depth. Memphis has now dropped three straight.
