66ers End With .500 and a Victory Over First-Place Fort Worth
April 8, 2006 - NBA G League (G League)
Tulsa 66ers News Release
TULSA, Okla. - John Lucas scored 23 points as the Tulsa 66ers (24-24) defeated the Fort Worth Flyers (28-19), 98-86, on Saturday night, bowing out of the regular season with a .500 record and leaving first-place Fort Worth hungry for the playoffs.
Despite repeated chances to take control of the game in the fourth quarter, the Flyers could never seem to overcome the relentless attack of Lucas. Lucas scored 19 of his 23 points in the first three quarters, including a 22-foot jump shot with 4:00 to play in regulation to put the 66ers up 88-82.
"I was really pleased tonight," said Tulsa head coach Joey Meyer. "I thought Fort Worth really came out with a purpose and we matched it. This team was not on vacation just yet. I just wish I was taking them into the playoffs because I really feel like we would have a shot to win it."
Clinging to a five-point lead at halftime, the Flyers, led by guard Keith Langford, stepped up their game. Langford scored 17 of his 30 points in the second half, including a 3-pointer that gave the Flyers their biggest lead of the night, 54-66 in the third. Even with Langford's effort in the second half, the Flyers couldn't overcome the 66ers advantage they had by being on their home court. The 66ers have a 15-9 record while at home.
Even with the loss, the Flyers are still holders of the No. 1 seed in the D-League playoffs. The Florida Flame is assured a playoff spot with a win over Fayetteville tonight. If Florida loses, then Austin owns the final postseason spot. Final seeds may not be determined until after Sunday's final regular-season game between Albuquerque and Fort Worth.
Flyers forward and Tulsa native, Kelenna Azubuike scored 17 points, pulled down seven rebounds and nabbed a steal. Aaron Miles scored 13 points, grabbed six rebounds. Langford led the night with four steals. Guard Aaron miles pulled out a healthy seven assists, also the game-high.
Tulsa had six players score in double figures, including forward Shawnson Johnson (17 points), Otis George (12), Desmon Farmer and Will Conroy (11 points). Johnson also had a game-high nine rebounds.
Fort Worth finished the game shooting 43 percent from the field to Tulsa's 53 percent. The Flyers outrebounded the 66ers 42-39. Fort Worth was just 2-of-9 from the 3-point line, compared to Tulsa's 6-of-16 from beyond the arch tonight.
NBA G League Stories from April 8, 2006
- 66ers End With .500 and a Victory Over First-Place Fort Worth - Tulsa 66ers
- Florida Flame Earns First Postseason Bid With Win Over Patriots - Florida Flame
- NBA D-League daily developments - G League
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.
