Columbus Wins, 88-77
February 7, 2004 - NBA G League (G League)
Huntsville Flight News Release
Huntsville, Ala. (Feb. 7) The Columbus Riverdragons used a balance scoring attack to defeat the Huntsville Flight 88-77 in tonights National Basketball Development League competition.
With this win, Columbus snaps a four-game losing streak to the Flight and improves to 7-18. Despite the loss, the Flight (13-11) remain in second place, three games behind the league leading Charleston Lowgators.
Columbus broke out to an early lead in the first quarter, outscoring the Flight 20-7 in the opening eight minutes and finishing the period with an 11 point margin (24-13). Huntsville battled back to tie the game at 28 five minutes into the second period. The teams traded baskets over the remainder of the half with Columbus taking a two-point led into halftime.
The Riverdragons returned from the break and outscored Huntsville to take a 63-52 lead at the 5:04 mark of the third period. The Flight responded with a 10-6 run to pull within seven points at the end of the quarter. Huntsville would get no closer. Columbus controlled the fourth quarter, keeping the Flight scoreless through the opening five minutes of the period, and then allowing only six baskets and two free throws in the final seven minutes.
Kevin Lyde led the Riverdragons with 19 points, nine rebounds and four blocks. Tai Crutchfield scored 15 points, Terence Morris had 12 and Courtney James, Erron Maxey, and Nick Sheppard each added 10.
Rod Grizzard led the Flight with 18 points 10 in the third quarter-, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Erick Barkley came off the bench to score 16 points. Rodney Bias led the team defensively with 13 rebounds and two blocks and scored eight points.
The Flight is off until Feb. 13 when it travels to Asheville. Columbus returns to action tomorrow to host the Roanoke Dazzle.
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