Blue Falls to Jam
March 5, 2015 - NBA G League (G League)
Oklahoma City Blue News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY, March 4, 2015 - The Oklahoma City Blue fell to the Bakersfield Jam, 97-93, at the COX Convention Center on Wednesday.
Talib Zanna led five Blue players who scored in double figures, tallying 23 points and 14 rebounds. Frank Gaines scored a season-high 23 points and Semaj Christon added 15 points, four rebounds and four assists. Dwight Buycks, who was acquired earlier on Wednesday, totaled 14 points. Marquis Teague scored 13 points with nine assists and four boards off the bench.
"In competition you're going to have ups and downs, highs and lows," said Blue Head Coach Mark Daigneault. "The lows and the losses are part of the process. They're part of growth and development. Tonight was not a great outing for us, but hopefully we can channel that and learn from that and improve as a team."
Bakersfield began the night with a 9-0 burst before Oklahoma City responded late in the quarter with an 11-3 run to hold a 26-23 advantage after one period. Despite being held to 5-of-20 shooting in the second quarter, Bakersfield outscored the Blue 17-12 in the frame and led 40-38 at the half.
The Blue entered the fourth up 71-63 after outscoring the Jam 9-1 in the final 2:30 of the third quarter. Bakersfield took back the lead with 8:25 to play and built a six point lead with just over three minutes remaining. Oklahoma City cut its deficit to two on a three-pointer from Gaines at the 55 second mark but the Jam responded with four-straight points and held off the Blue.
Oklahoma City (21-18) outrebounded the Jam 52-48 and held Bakersfield to 38.0 percent shooting.
The Jam (28-11) was paced by Jerel McNeal with 24 points and six assists.
The Blue is back in action on Sunday with a noon tipoff at Chesapeake Energy Arena against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Oklahoma City will play four games on the Thunder's home court this month. For more information, visit OklahomaCityBlue.com.
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