PASADENA, Calif. – UC Santa Cruz started strong and didn't let up in posting a 67-53 win over Caltech in a non-conference men's  basketball match-up on Saturday evening.

UC Santa Cruz ups its record to 4-6 while the Beavers falls to 4-4.

The Banana Slugs raced out to a 12-2 lead less than six minutes into the game. However, Caltech quickly chipped away and found themselves down six points (17-11) after a Brian Okoro jumper with 10:10 remaining in the stanza. UC Santa Cruz wouldn't let the Beavers back within single digits the rest half as they increased their lead to as large as 19-points before going into the locker room with a 40-23 advantage.

UC Santa Cruz built their first half lead with strong shooting and solid defense. The visitors went 17-of-28 from the field (60.7 percent) while using 11 Caltech turnovers to hold a 22-6 edge in point off turnovers.

Midway through the second half the Banana Slugs pushed their lead to 24 points (56-32). A 13-2 run capped off by a Michael Edwards three-pointer brought the Beavers within 58-45 with 5:51 left in the game. However, that was as close the home squad would get.

UC Santa Cruz's scoring offense was led by the duo Jamien Jones and Tyler Hunt as each starter tallied a game high 12 points. Brent Jacobs corralled a contest best 10 rebounds in helping the Banana Slugs hold a 38-25 rebounding edge.

Mike Paluchniak came off the bench to score a team best and personal season high 10 points to pace the Beavers scoring. Edwards chipped in a nine-point performance.

The Beavers take a break for the next 12 days for the Christmas holiday. Caltech hosts future SCIAC foe Chapman on Dec. 29 at 5:00 p.m.