Rough Start to New Year as Red Claws Fall to Vipers 104-81
Published on January 1, 2012 under NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release
PORTLAND, ME - The visiting Rio Grande Valley Vipers (10-6) rolled over the Maine Red Claws (4-10) 104-81 as the Red Claws players continued to struggle to find their footing as a team. The Vipers dominated the entire game, completely shutting the Red Claws down in the first half as they held the host Red Claws to just 8 points in the second quarter, a franchise low, and just 30 points. The Vipers also forced 18 Red Claws turnovers in the first half.
Rio Grande had another balanced scoring attack with six players scoring in double figures. Kelvin Lewis led all scorers with 19. Tyren Johnson was close behind tallying 18. Suleiman Braimoh scored 12 and recorded 9 rebounds. The Vipers bench played a huge roll with this victory, scoring 51 of the team's 104 points. Greg Smith sparked the bench with 17, Jay R Strowbridge added 16, Damian Saunders scored 10, and Lee Humphrey rounded out with bench with 8.
For the Red Claws, no shooters stood out, with team leading scorer Courtney Pigram completely kept off the scoreboard. The Red Claws were led by Paul Harris and Jerome Randle, each with 12 points, while Justin Brownlee, Kenny Hayes and Anthony Kent all scored 11. Ricky Davis scored 8 and passed out 6 assists in his third game with the team.
The Red Claws will look to regroup with two solid practices Monday and Tuesday before heading to Texas this week for a southwestern swing. Maine will take on the Austin Toros on Thursday, January 5, the Tulsa 66ers on Saturday, January 7 and the Texas Legends Sunday, January 8 before heading to Reno, NV for the 2012 NBA Development League Showcase. The Vipers will host the Dakota Wizards on Friday, January 6 and Saturday, January 7 and the Reno Bighorns on Monday, January 9 before the Showcase.
NBA G League Stories from January 1, 2012
- Rough Start to New Year as Red Claws Fall to Vipers 104-81 - Maine Celtics
- Washington Wizards Assign Hamady N'Diaye to Iowa Energy - G League
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