Bell's big night lifts Wizards over Red Claws
Published on February 5, 2010 under NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
BISMARCK, ND - The Dakota Wizards used strong defensive play and a big night from David Bell to win a 116-105 contest in front of 2,689 fans at the Bismarck Civic Center on Friday night. Dakota scored 33 points off of 19 turnovers, many of those coming on easy layups. Bell paced the Wizards in the scoring column, recording a season-high 32 points to go along with six rebounds and five assists.
Both teams started the game sluggish, with Maine shooting 31.8% and Dakota 32% in the first quarter. Boo Jackson came off of the bench to give the Wizards a solid effort in the second period. Despite not playing in the first quarter, he went 4-of-5 in the second frame and was the key to a 10-1 Dakota run that saw the Wizards take an eight point lead with 3:27 remaining in the half. Maine refused to bend, fighting back to tie the game with 31.1 seconds left in the quarter before a Connor Atchley layup staked the Wizards to a 49-47 lead at halftime.
The Red Claws challenged Dakota's perimeter players in the third quarter by switching to a zone defense. The Wizards responded by shooting 61.9% in the frame. Two 3-pointers by Romel Beck and another from Bell helped Dakota cap an 11-2 run in the period. The Wizards' lead grew to 83-65 with 2:16 remaining in the third.
Maine's defense then shut out the Wizards for the remainder of the third period and the first 2:21 of the fourth. An 18-0 Red Claws run saw Maine come back to tie the game at 83. Despite the valiant comeback, the Red Claws were unable to take the lead for the remainder of the game. The Wizards used a perfect 13-of-13 performance from the free throw line in the fourth to pull away with the eleven point win.
Along with Bell's big night, Maurice Baker recorded a triple-double for Dakota with eleven points, ten rebounds and ten assists. In all, eight Wizards scored in double figures. Tony Bobbitt led the Red Claws with 23 points. Maurice Ager scored 16 points in his debut for Maine.
Dakota will welcome the Idaho Stampede to the Bismarck Civic Center tomorrow night while Maine will travel to Sioux Falls to take on the Skyforce.
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