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Altitude Fall To Missouri in Preseason Exhibition

November 19, 2003 - NBA G League (G League)
Asheville Altitude News Release


Columbia, Mo., November 19, 2003 - The Altitude fell to top ranked Missouri 74-60 at Hearnes Center in Columbia, in the first of two NBDL college exhibition match-ups for Asheville. Altitude newcommer Desmond Penigar led all scorers with 23 points and five rebounds.

"They're a good team," said Penigar. "They're ranked #5 in the nation with two main players, and the group of guys around them compliments them very well."

The second and final exhibition contest for Missouri, the Tigers opened the game with an aggressive defensive attack causing back-to-back turnovers for the Altitude. But Asheville quickly regained their composure, jumping out to a 4-0 lead early in the half. The Tigers were able to respond, slicing the lead to one following a 3-pointer by Travo Bryant.

"We were both slow and sloppy because we were trying to figure each other out, " said Altitude point guard Kareem Reid. "They were trying to adjust to a semi-pro team, and us trying to figure out the college game. It was a difficult thing. We had to loosen up on our defense, and they had to play more physical."

A balanced scoring first half for both teams, the Altitude controlled the tempo, but foul trouble and turnovers relinquished a nine point advantage to the Tigers, who chipped away at the early lead to pull to within one with seconds left in the half, 30-29.

The Altitude, shooting an impressive 13-of-31 (41.9%) from the field in the first, saw action from all 12 players on the preseason roster by halftime.

A momentum switch by the second half triggered an explosive offensive charge by the Tigers. After shooting a dismal 8-of-26 (30.8%) from the field in the first half, the Tigers connected on 15-of-28 baskets in the second to gain control of the game.

Despite several runs by Asheville to regain the lead, poor shooting down the stretch led to an eventual 16-point losing margin. Returnee Brandon Kurtz finished with eight points and seven rebounds as Altitude number draftee Lavor Postell finished with seven points and four rebounds. Former Brevard College standout David Evans provided a spark off the bench with four steals and four points.

"That was a great game for us to play and Joey Meyer is a terrific coach, " said Missouri head coach Quin Snyder. "They have not been together very long, but you can still see the quality of players that were out there on the floor. I though that was a great challenge for our guys especially early in the game when we were really having a hard time making a shot."

The Tigers had five players to score in double digits. Jimmy McKinney led with 15 points, connecting on 12-of-12 from the free-throw line and four assists. Bryant followed with 13 points and Arthur Johnson chipped in with 12. Josh Kroenke and Linas Kleiza aided with 10 points apiece. Kleiza finishing with a double-double, also pulled down a game high 10 rebounds.

The Altitude will head back on the road, Sunday, Nov. 23, as they face the University of Louisville in their final exhibition game of the season. The Altitude will tip off their regular season of NBDL action with the Columbus Riverdragons, Nov. 28, followed by the home opener, Nov. 30, against the Huntsville Flight.

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