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Altitude Dominate Flight to Earn First Home Win

January 2, 2004 - NBA G League (G League)
Asheville Altitude News Release


ASHEVILLE, N.C., January 2, 2004 - The Asheville Altitude defeated the Huntsville Flight, 108-92, at the Asheville Civic Center to earn their first home victory of the season and stop a five-game losing skid. Altitude leading scorer Desmond Penigar reached the thirty point mark for the third time of the season with 30 points and seven rebounds as he exploded for 21 points in the second half of play.

The Altitude dominated the outing with an early 21-8 first half run including an impressive 57.6% field goal shooting performance (19-33). Powered by Kris Lang, who contributed 6-of-7 baskets from the field and four blocked shots, the Altitude boasted a 15-point lead going into the half.

Asheville struggled from the free line, recording 4-of-13 baskets in the first quarter. But the Flight, who was plagued by turnovers throughout the game, could not capitalize on the Altitude's miscues. Huntsville turned the ball over 23 times, while Asheville had only 11 turnovers.

Huntsville tested Asheville late with a 17-6 run in the fourth quarter, but Asheville made clutch shots and free throws to secure the win. The Altitude had their best defensive showing of the season with 13 steals and six blocked shots, four by Lang. The fourth loss for Huntsville, the Flight's defeats have all come to teams scoring 100 points or more.

"Our defense was definitely better tonight," said Head Coach Joey Meyer. "And Kris Lang was tremendous. With Kurtz out, Lang really stepped up."

Player of the Game Lang poured in 16 of his 21 points in the first half including six rebounds to compliment his four blocked shots. Lavor Postell added 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals and Kareem Reid chipped in 13 points and six assists off the bench. Altitude newcommer Brandin Knight led all players in assists with eight in addition to seven points and three steals.

"The past couple of times I've played them I've been very tentative, but I tried to pound it inside tonight and be more aggressive," said Lang.

Four of the Flight's five starters were in foul trouble for much of the night, including Ronald DuPree who led the team with 22 points before fouling out of the game. Cheyne Gadson added 19 points and seven rebounds and Mateen Cleaves scored 18 points and handed out six assists, but also turned the ball over five times. League leading free-throw shooter, Rick Apodaca, registered 4-of-4 (1.000) from the charity-stripe in addition to 14 points.

Asheville's win marks the first victory of the 2004 season and their first since Dec. 6 when they defeated the Roanoke Dazzle, 106-101. The Altitude (3-8) and Flight (10-4) will face-off tomorrow night at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama beginning 7:00 p.m.

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