NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Flame Stay In Funk, Get Swept By Toros

January 9, 2006 - NBA G League (G League)
Florida Flame News Release


ESTERO, Fla., January 8 - The Florida Flame came up short in the fourth quarter of a game against the Austin Toros yet again with their fourth consecutive loss on Sunday night, 107-105. The loss was the Flame's third straight at Germain Arena since returning home from their December 31st loss to Fayetteville.

The loss drops Florida's record to 9-7 on the season, while Austin completed their ascent to a 7-7 record, the first time the team has had a .500 winning percentage since December 10th, 2005.

The Flame roared out to a 31-22 lead by the end of the first quarter, led by Hiram Fuller's seven points and five rebounds. Florida continued to control the game throughout the first half, but Austin flashed signs of life, closing the gap to a one-point deficit going into the locker rooms at half time.

The Toros played for the second consecutive night without starting point guard Derrick Zimmerman, and center Scott Merritt made his return to the hardwood after missing Thursday night's game as well. Merritt only played for 11 minutes, registering only two points and two blocked shots.

Austin's bench stepped up in the second half, coupled with the offensive outpouring of guard Ramel Curry, who only scored four points in the first half, but finished strong in the second to end the game with a game-high 27.

Reserve center Jeff Hagen scored a season-high eight points with two blocked shots and five rebounds. Jamar Smith also pitched in with 10 points and six rebounds, but it would be Andre Emmett's 22 points off the bench that would prove to be the difference. Hagen, Smith, and Emmett were the entire Austin bench, and outscored Florida's five-man bench 40-35.

Hiram Fuller led all Flame scorers with 19 points, and 13 rebounds, posting his eighth double-double of the season. Florida point guard Andre Barrett also logged a double-double 16 points and 15 assists. The Flame's season leading-scorer, Bracey Wright, had 17 in the contest.

In addition to strong bench play, and the work of Curry, Ezra Williams scored 14 points, and Marcus Fizer added 15 for Austin.

Florida and Austin both rest until Thursday, January 12th, when they both return to action. Florida welcomes back Roanoke, as the Toros travel to Fort Worth to take on the Flyers.

For additional information, please visit floridaflame.com or contact Florida Flame Director of Media Relations, Tim Becwar at (239) 561-8130 and tbecwar@nba.com. For additional information on the NBA Development League please visit NBADLEAGUE.com.

##FLORIDA FLAME##

• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...

NBA G League Stories from January 9, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central