Vipers Rally In Third To Knock Off T-Birds In Matinee
February 2, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico - After being down 16 points in the first half, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers started a furious rally in the third quarter, outscoring the Albuquerque Thunderbirds 44-20 to take a lead they would not relinquish in their 106-88 win Tuesday morning at Tingley Coliseum. The win is the 21st of the season for Rio Grande Valley tying their franchise record for wins in a season set in each of the first
After falling behind by 11 points with 1:21 remaining in the first quarter the Vipers would extend an 8-0 run into the second quarter pulling the Vipers to within three on Garrett Temple's jumper from the top of the key to cut the deficit to three points. The Thunderbirds would have an answer for this rally with a 15-2 run capped off by Tony Danridge's dunk to give the Thunderbirds a 44-28 lead with 5:41 remaining in the first half. The Thunderbids led 49-35 at halftime.
The Vipers would not go quietly as they began a furious rally in the third quarter. With the Vipers down 57-49 at the 7:57 mark, the Vipers would explode for a 24-4 run, capped off by Rockets assignee Jermaine Taylor's three-pointer at the 3:33 mark to give the Vipers a 73-61 lead. The Vipers would lead by as many as 20 in the second half en route to the victory. RGV outscored Albuquerque 71-39 in the second half.
Mike Harris, who was named January's D-League Player of the Month on Monday, exploded for 31 points and 22 rebounds to lead the charge for the Vipers. Taylor had his best game of his assignment scoring 30 points and hauling in five rebounds. Antonio Anderson and Garrett Temple had 15 and 11 respectively to round out the top scorers for RGV.
The Thunderbirds were led by a 27-point charge by Carlos Powell. Antoine Agudio scored 18 points with six rebounds. Chad Toppert added 13 with five boards. Ironically, the three former Vipers on T-birds, Kris Collins Marcus Hubbard, and Kurt Looby each scored only four points. Looby added 11 rebounds four blocks.
The Vipers and Thunderbirds will match-up again on Wednesday night for the second of three straight between the two squads. Tip-off is schedule for 8:00 pm CST from Tingley Coliseum. The Vipers are now 4-2 this season against the T-birds.
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