Almond Leads Flash To Second Consecutive Win

March 22, 2008 - NBA G League (G League)
Utah Flash News Release


OREM, Utah, March 21, 2008 - Utah Jazz assignee Morris Almond scored a game-high 33 points to help lift the Utah Flash to its second consecutive victory, 108-99, over the Colorado 14ers Friday night at the McKay Events Center.

The Flash snapped a season-high two game home losing streak and improved to 20-22 with the victory. The 14ers lost for the third consecutive time and dropped to 23-18.

"I really challenged our guys earlier today at shoot-around to come out and protect our home court." Flash coach Brad Jones said. "No matter what level you play, whether it is junior high, high school, college or the pro game, you can't let people come out and take over on your home court."

The Flash, currently two spots out of the D-League playoff picture, head to Bakersfield Saturday to face the Jam in the first of a five-game road trip. Colorado travels to Los Angeles Wednesday for a matinee with the D-Fenders.

The Flash shot 52-percent (38-72) from the field, thanks in large part to 46 points in the paint despite struggles from its big men.

"You have got to be able to attack the basket and score points in the paint." Jones said. "Our two bigs, Fesenko and Lang, did not have their best offensive games, but our other guys stepped up and attacked the rim."

Almond led the offensive attack, connecting on 54-percent (12-of-22) from the field. He also made 8-of-9 free throw attempts.

"When the big guys are struggling down low, we smaller guys have to step in and pick up the slack." Almond said. "When you attack the rim consistently it leads to higher shooting percentage and free throw attempts."

Boston Celtics assignee Gabe Pruitt dropped in 20 points, while Kevin Kruger added 14 points for Utah. Brian Jackson recorded 12 points to go along with his eight rebounds and season-high eight assists. Brian Hamilton chipped in 12 points off the Flash bench.

Colorado cut the Flash lead to five points at 93-88 mid-way through the fourth quarter behind strong play from Eddie Gill and Justin Gage, who combined for 24 of the 14ers 32 fourth quarter points.

Gill led all 14ers scorers with 25 points, including 17 in the final period. Kaniel Dickens, who just returned from back-to-back 10-day contracts with the Cleveland Cavaliers, recorded 21 points. Cage chipped in 18 points, Billy Thomas 14 and Roderick Riley 10.



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