Altitude overcome deficit and secure win

Published on February 8, 2005 under NBA G League (G League)
Asheville Altitude News Release


ASHEVILLE, N.C., February 8, 2005 – Kirk Penney scored a game-high 23 points as the Asheville Altitude rebounded from a 14 point deficit to defeat the Huntsville Flight, 101-95, Tuesday night at the Asheville Civic Center.

"I was pleased with the heart this team exhibited tonight," said Altitude head coach Joey Meyer. "Everyone got involved tonight and worked hard to share the ball and find the open shot."

Huntsville commanded the first quarter scoring the game's first five baskets. Connecting on 13-of-20 baskets from the field, the Flight shot an impressive 65 percent from the field and dominated the boards pushing their early lead to 11.

Asheville suffering from the perimeter shot a dismal 38.9 percent from the field in the first quarter while connecting on only 7-of-18 shots.

Huntsville dictating the game's pace jumped out to their largest advantage of the game as the second quarter begin. But Asheville chipped away at the lead following an 11-0 run late in the quarter. Lenny Stokes leading the offensive attack for the Altitude posted 10 points in the quarter in addition to aiding the Altitude in taking their first lead of the night, 44-43.

Huntsville's Earl Barron led all scorers at the half with 13 points including scoring the first five of seven points to open the game.

Both teams exchanged baskets in the third quarter rendering a slight four point edge for Asheville to close the quarter, 77-73.

A closely scored game down the stretch, both teams depended on free throws to give each team the late game advantage. Huntsville, who shot 15 free throws in the third quarter, only missing one, connected on four of six baskets in the fourth quarter for a 66.7 percentage. Asheville connecting on 5-of-5 shots in the third took 18 free-throw shots during the final quarter, sinking 16.

Five Altitude players scored in double figures for the second consecutive night. In addition to Penney, Altitude scoring leader Ron Slay fell one rebound shy of his fifth double-double of the season with 18 points and nine boards. Stokes also chipped in with 18 and Tony Kitchings aided with 15. Joe Forte scored 13 points, recording 5-of-5 free-throws off the bench.

Earl Barron and Cedric Henderson led the Flight with 18 points apiece. Damone Brown followed closely with 17 and Austin Nichols provided 11 as a reserve.

The Altitude will host the Fayetteville Patriots in their next outing, Friday, February 18 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Flight will host the Roanoke Dazzle Tuesday, Feb. 15 beginning at 11:00 a.m.

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