First-year Alexa Litchev made two free throws with 0.5 seconds left to give UC Santa Cruz a phenomenal 61-60 win over previously undefeated Hamilton College at Kaiser Permanente Arena.
The Banana Slugs improve to 5-6 after breaking a five-game winless streak.

After Hamilton tied it late at 59-all, the Continentals had a chance to take the lead with 3.6 seconds, and made one of two free throws. UC Santa Cruz called time out to advance the ball, and Litchev was fouled on the third inbound attempt while attempting a layup. The forward from San Diego calmly scored her two attempts, and the Banana Slugs celebrated after Hamilton's desperation heave fell well short.

Litchev, who made the December Classic All-Tournament team, finished with eight points and was a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line. Ariel Anderson led the Banana Slugs with 16 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Jenna Gorton had three of the Banana Slugs' season-high eight blocks. Overall, the Banana Slugs were 19-49 from the field (38.8%) and 20-22 (90.9%) on free throws.

UC Santa Cruz is off for the next six days until they host Wisconsin-Platteville Wednesday at the West Field House.