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Springfield Storms Back for 114-109 Victory over Austin

February 28, 2014 - NBA G League (G League)
Springfield Armor News Release


SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Led by a ferocious second half by Darius Johnson-Odom and Devin Ebanks, the Springfield Armor (15-21), presented by MGM Springfield, roared back from a double-figure halftime hole to top the Austin Toros (14-22), 114-109, Friday night at the MassMutual Center.

For the second straight night, the Toros had the hot hand early as Austin shot 50 percent from the field in the first and 61 percent for the half following a blistering 73 percent clip in the second quarter alone. That pace helped Austin to a 63-49 lead at the break despite 12 points from Springfield's Willie Reed and an 11-of-14 effort from the free throw line by the Armor. On the flip side, Austin went to the line just one time, knocking down the lone free throw through the first 24 minutes.

The Toros put three players in double figures before the break, led by Flip Murray's game-high 16. Courtney Fells hit both three-point attempts as a part of his 12 points, while Jonathan Simmons knocked down 5-of-6 attempts for 11 points off the bench. For a two minute stretch in the second quarter, the Toros connected on six straight possessions to aid in the 14-point edge at halftime, but the early spurt would not last through the game's entirety.

Following a first half dominated by Austin, the Armor turned the tables on the Toros in the third as Springfield strung together a 14-0 run to take an 82-79 lead after a run-capping four-point play by Khalif Wyatt .The Armor went on to take an 87-82 edge into the final frame, while Wyatt finished the night with eight points. Johnson-Odom was the focal point of the Armor offense in the period, accounting for 14 of the 38 Springfield points as the Marquette product went on to score 20 on the night, 17 in the second half and narrowly missed a triple-double with nine boards and nine assists.

Austin rallied to lock the game at 104 with four minutes left to play, put Springfield doubled up the Toros down the final stretch, 10-5 over the last 3:28 to secure a 114-109 come-from-behind victory. Springfield outscored Austin 65-46 in the second half, with Ebanks totaling 18 points through the game's final 24 minutes for a team-high 27 on the evening, his highest scoring game since joining the Armor. Reed finished the night with 18 points and 11 boards, while center Jeff Foote also posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Toros' pace slowed in the second half as Austin was held to just a 41 percent clip from the field. Murray did lead all scorers with 29, while Simmons finished with 23 off the bench, but Austin was able to get to the line just 10 times, knocking down eight shots compared to the Armor's 22-of-27 effort from the stripe.

Springfield's four-game homestand continues Sunday, March 2 with Superheroes & Fairy Tales Day, presented by Health New England against the division-leading Canton Charge. Come dressed as your favorite superhero or fairy tale for our costume contest and enjoy the day's festivities. Sunday's game is also the final Kid's Club game of the season in which Kid's Club members can show their official membership card for a FREE baseline general admission ticket! Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. For more information on the Armor, visit www.ArmorHoops.com or call (413) 746-3263. Keep up with the Armor on Facebook and Twitter !

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