Austin Snaps Dakota's 11-Game Home Winning Streak
March 16, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
BISMARCK, ND, March 15, 2010 - A night after playing a game that was essentially decided by halftime, the Austin Toros and Dakota Wizards put on a show at the Bismarck Civic Center on Monday night in a contest that came down to the final possession. The Toros managed to escape with a 114-113 win thanks in part to shooting 15-of-25 from 3-point range. Curtis Jerrells paced Austin with an outstanding effort, scoring 35 points to go along with seven assists and five rebounds.
For most of the first half, it appeared that another blowout was imminent, only this time with the Wizards on the wrong end. Austin shot 75% from the field in the first quarter and put 37 points up on the scoreboard, a stark contrast to Sunday afternoon's game when they tallied 28 in the entire first half. The Toros were able to push their lead to as many as 14 points and led 37-30 after one period.
Jerrells warmed up in the second, connecting on 5-of-7 shots from the field. His steal and dunk with 2:30 left in the half gave the Toros an 18-point cushion, their largest lead of the game. Despite making eight less free throws than Dakota, Austin took a 68-50 lead into the locker room after hitting 10-of-14 3-pointers in the first half.
Even after shooting 68.4% in the third quarter, the Wizards were unable to significantly cut into The Toros' lead. Jerrells continued to score at will for Austin, adding 13 more points in the period. The Toros also connected on all three of their 3-point attempts and six free throws in the frame, resulting in a 99-82 lead after three quarters.
The Wizards stormed back in the fourth quarter. A 14-3 run capped by a beautiful runner from Darren Cooper cut Austin's lead to six points and the crowd was suddenly back in the game. Lester Hudson's three with 2:19 left helped Dakota get to within three points, prompting Toros head coach Quin Snyder to call a timeout. A defensive stop by Dakota and ensuing Marcus Dove layup off of a gorgeous dish from Maurice Baker cut the lead to one. After Austin's Dwayne Jones missed a pair of free throws with 0:46 remaining, Dakota found itself with the chance to take the lead. However, an errant pass from Romel Beck gave the ball back to Austin with 0:28 left in the game. Dakota then came up with yet another huge stop on the defensive end. Instead of calling timeout, Hudson pushed the ball up the floor, briefly losing possession. He recovered and found Baker open for a ten foot jumper at the buzzer. The ball clanged off the iron, giving the Toros the nail-biting victory.
Along with Jerrells' huge game, Lewis Clinch came off the bench to score 22 points for Austin and Dwayne Jones recorded a double-double with 15 points and twelve rebounds. Hudson paced Dakota with 24 points and the newest member of the Wizards, Corsley Edwards, chipped in 20.
The Wizards will hit the road for a game at Iowa on Wednesday while Austin will visit Bakersfield for a pair starting on Friday.
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