Banged up Dazzle lose heartbreaker in double overtime
March 22, 2005 - NBA G League (G League)
Roanoke Dazzle News Release
ROANOKE, Va. â The Asheville Altitude defeated the Roanoke Dazzle 128-126 in double overtime Tuesday night at the Roanoke Civic Center. With Ron Slay and Joe Forte leading the Altitude (23-17) with 30 points a piece, a tired and injury laden Dazzle (25-16) finally ran out of steam as they were unable to make a third buzzer beater to send the game into another overtime period.
Leading most of the game, Asheville saw their lead dwindle in the third as they were outscored 32-18. Korean sensation Sung-Yoon Bang heated up with 13 points giving Roanoke a two point lead into the fourth. With team leaders Isiah Victor and James Thomas both sitting out for an injury and an illness, not to mention having several others getting roughed up during the game (Garry Hill-Thomas with a sprained shoulder, Miah Davis with a slightly sprained ankle, and Bang with a "banged" up back), the Dazzle never gave up and fought with reckless abandon the entire time.
"It was a great game," said Asheville Head Coach Joey Meyer. "It was one of the best games I've been involved with. Both teams really fought. You have to give Roanoke a lot of credit. Obviously they were undermanned."
A rebound by Seth Doliboa off of a Antoine Landry three-pointer that missed its mark proved to be a crucial part of the game. After Doliboa dished off to Miah Davis, the rookie from Pacific was able to drain an overtime-forcing three from the corner. The first overtime went back and forth and Roanoke found themselves in a similar spot again, but this time it was Seth Doliboa who nailed a three pointer to send the game into a second extra period.
With Asheville jumping out to a quick five point lead at the start of overtime #2, the Dazzle fought back to tie it with 33.9 seconds left. It would be the last time Roanoke would score as Joe Forte made a 16 foot jumper to give the Altitude the lead.
With Slay and Forte both having double-doubles, Slay with 30 points and 14 rebounds and Forte with season highs 30 points and 10 rebounds, the Altitude were able to pick up a game on the second-place Dazzle. Sharpshooter Kirk Penney added 28 giving him a new season high, while Tim Bowers contributed 16 points along with 8 assists. Big man Tony Kitchings also played strong with 15 points and 8 boards.
Seth Doliboa led all scorers with 31 but it was the play of Sherman Gay that impressed Tuesday night's crowd. With season highs of 28 points and 13 rebounds, Gay put in 46 strong and hard-fought minutes before fouling out. Sung-Yoon Bang notched 22 for himself despite playing with a sore back and Miah Davis had 18, including that huge three-pointer at the end of regulation. Center Kevin Owens followed with his second double-double in as many games with 15 points and 16 rebounds.
"We were kind of waiting," said Dazzle Head Coach Kent Davison. "He's kind of been in a funk â he knew he had to do it. Whether it was going to the offensive boards or getting tip-ins or guarding Slay â he did a great job. That was a big blow to us when he fouled out."
Roanoke travels to play the Fayetteville Patriots Thursday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cumberland Crown Coliseum. Asheville returns home to face the Columbus Riverdragons on Friday, March 25th. For more information log on to www.nbdl.com or visit www.roanokedazzle.com.
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NBA G League Stories from March 22, 2005
- Banged up Dazzle lose heartbreaker in double overtime - Roanoke Dazzle
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