Bighorns Snakebitten in the RGV
Published on January 8, 2015 under NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release
HIDALGO, Texas, January 8, 2015 - The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (8-12)set a new franchise single-game points record to oust the Reno Bighorns (8-9) 159-155 tonight at State Farm Arena.
Houston Rockets assignee, Clint Capela, and Chris Johnson each led the Vipers with 28 points and 8 rebounds. Also on assignment from the Rockets, Nick Johnson scored 26 points and 9 assists. Jaron Johnson added 21 points. Tony Bishop notched 18 points, and Akeem Richmond tallied 17 points. Akil Mitchell scored a double-double 10 points and 16 rebounds.
Quincy Miller led the Bighorns with a double-double 30 points and 12 rebounds. Ra'shad James added 28 points. Brady Heslip scored 27 points. David Wear contributed 23 points.
The Vipers started the game on a 6-0 run before Joonas Caven made Reno's first basket with a three-pointer to set the score at 6-3. Although the Bighorns tied the game three times during the first quarter, the Vipers never trailed. At the end of the quarter, the score was tied at 41 points.
Wear posted a three-pointer to open the second quarter and put Reno ahead 44-41. The Vipers tied the game three times and stole the lead courtesy of a layup from Nick Johnson with 1:01 remaining in the half. RGV did not trail for the remainder of the game and led 83-80 at halftime.
Bishop connected on a shot from beyond the arc with one minute left in the third quarter to give RGV its largest lead of the game 120-106. The Bighorns closed in on the Vipers 138-137 with 4:29 remaining in the game, but RGV maintained its composure to secure the win.
The Vipers visit the Texas Legends Saturday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. (CT). Next week, RGV will play two games in the annual NBA Development League Showcase in Santa Cruz, Calif. The Vipers' first game is Friday, Jan. 16 at noon (CT) versus the Erie BayHawks. RGV's second Showcase matchup is versus the Reno Bighorns Sunday, Jan. 18 at 9 p.m. (CT).
Vipers fans can follow the action live all season on FOX Sports 1700 AM or watch games live at NBADLeague.com. For more information about the RGV Vipers 2014-15 season or to purchase season tickets, contact the Vipers at 956-972-1144.
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