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Altitude overthrow Lowgators to soar into first place

March 26, 2004 - NBA G League (G League)
Asheville Altitude News Release


ASHEVILLE, N.C., March 26 - The Asheville Altitude tops NBDL standings with a dominating 112-82 victory over the Charleston Lowgators Friday night at the Asheville Civic Center. The Lowgators, boasting a half-game advantage over the Altitude coming into the contest, relinquished their title after dropping their fourth consecutive match-up in Asheville. Desmond Penigar and Brandon Kurtz led the charge for the Altitude, pouring in 19 points apiece.

Asheville opened the game dreadfully, shooting just 26.3 percent (5-19) in the first quarter to score 16 points, only four points higher than their season-low of 12.They fell behind by as much as 13 before cutting the deficit to one point by the half.

The halftime deficit quickly ballooned to a 21 point lead in the third quarter after a 27-5 Altitude burst. Defense was key to the run as Asheville held Charleston to 29.4 percent shooting in the third quarter. The Lowgators suffered from the defensive pressure with a total of 23 turnovers leading to 24 Altitude points.

"They definitely came out with more intensity but we able to turn it around with defense," said Player of the Game Brandon Kurtz. "Our defense was unbelievable in the third quarter and once you get those stops the game opens up for you."

Five Asheville players ended in double-figures as Kareem Reid turned in 15 points, six assists and three steals. Rusty LaRue chipped in 13 points and Kris Lang added 10 points and six rebounds. Brandin Knight tallied nine points to compliment his six assists and three steals.

Ime Udoka paced the Lowgators, literally, as his scoring reflected Charleston's game. He poured in 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting in the first half, but posted just four points in the second half, going 2-of-8 from the field. Jason Miskiri tallied 13 points and four rebounds while Rico Hill netted 11 points and Alpha Bangura added 10. Karim Shabazz grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds for the Lowgators.

Asheville will try to hold on to first place when the two teams square off again tomorrow night at the North Charleston Coliseum. The season series between the teams is now tied at 4-4 with Charleston winning the first four match-ups and Asheville taking the last four.

"We're going to come out with the same intensity tomorrow night," said Kurtz. "We know what's at stake and we want first place."

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