G League Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Back Court Play Keys Vipers' Victory

Published on December 31, 2010 under NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release


HIDALGO, TEXAS - Jerel McNeal and Mustafa Shakur combined for 48 points, 14 rebounds and 15 assists as the defending NBA Development League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers beat the Sioux Falls Skyforce 110-100 Friday at State Farm Arena.

McNeal scored a game-high 27 points to go with nine rebounds while Shakur had 21 points and a season-high 13 assists.

The Vipers (8-7) and Skyforce (2-11) engaged in a back-and-forth affair for most of the first quarter, with Keaton Grant tying the game at 21-21 with 43.2 seconds left. Jerel McNeal responded with a layup to give the Vipers a 23-21 lead they did not relinquish. That started a 12-4 run that was capped by a free throw from Jeff Adrien as the Vipers took a 33-25 lead with 8:32 remaining in the second quarter.

Adrien scored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting with six rebounds (three offensive), one steal and two blocks.

The Skyforce tried to come back in the fourth quarter, climbing to within 97-92 after an Anthony Harris lay-up, but fourth-year Viper Stanley Asumnu hit a teardrop shot and Patrick Sullivan slammed the ball through the basket to put the game out of reach.

Sullivan recorded his first-career double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds (seven offensive).

The Skyforce were led in scoring by Grant, who scored 19 points with eight rebounds and four steals, and Sean Marshall who also scored 19 points.

The Skyforce are now losers of six-straight.

The Vipers and Skyforce play again on New Year's Day at 7:00 p.m. at State Farm Arena. Fans can take advantage of the State Farm Family 4 Pack, which consists of four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for $44. Doors open at 6:00.

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NBA G League Stories from December 31, 2010


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