
Bighorns held off a late Vipers push, 121-114
April 3, 2009 - NBA G League (G League)
Reno Bighorns News Release
April 2nd, Reno- Despite coming out cold, shooting 37% from the field in the first quarter, the Reno Bighorns were able to bounce back in the second quarter and take the lead for the remainder of the game and holding off a late fourth quarter Vipers push.
The Vipers led during the first quarter by as much as 10 with a shooting percentage of 45.5%, they were able to maintain the lead and close out the quarter ahead by 2; Vipers 28, Bighorns 26.
The Bighorns were able to take the lead within the first two minutes of the second quarter. The Bighorns showed their strength throughout the quarter by being ahead by as much as 12. Bighorns guard, Garry Hill-Thomas was the lead scorer of the half with 14 points while also contributing 3 assists. Vipers forward, Jawad Williams was the second highest scorer of the half with 12. Bighorns moved into the second half in the lead; 63-55.
The Bighorns shot 63.2% from the field showing dominance against the Vipers 54.5%. They remained ahead by as much as 15, but the Vipers attacked with only 2 minutes remaining and narrowed the lead by as little as 4 points. They couldn't hold back the Bighorns at the end with 4 solid shots, bringing them ahead by 10 at the beginning of the 4th.
Benson and Noel nearly had double doubles; Benson with 21 points and 9 rebounds, and Noel with 26 points and 9 assists. It was Vipers center Kurt Looby who took home the double double prize with 10 total points and 15 rebounds.
With only 17 seconds left in the fourth, Benson clung to the basket for a slam dunk, bringing the Bighorns ahead by 4. While Strickland scored 2 for the Vipers with 6 seconds left, the Bighorns were able to remain dominant until the end with a final score, Bighorns 121-Vipers 114.
Bighorns will host the Erie Bayhawks this Saturday night at the Reno Events Center at 7pm.
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