Blue Bests Warriors in Overtime
March 4, 2016 - NBA G League (G League)
Oklahoma City Blue News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma City Thunder forward Mitch McGary scored a career-high 32 points to lead the Oklahoma City Blue past the Santa Cruz Warriors, 107-106, in overtime on Friday. McGary shot 14-of-22 from the field and pulled down 13 rebounds in 31 minutes.
The Blue trailed 97-92 with 50 seconds remaining in regulation before Dwight Buycks cut the deficit to two by making a floater as he was fouled and sinking the following free throw. After the Warriors and Blue exchanged buckets, Santa Cruz's Kevon Looney put the Warriors up 100-97 at the foul line.
With 6.9 seconds on the clock, Buycks narrowly missed a game-tying three attempt. Josh Huestis pulled down the offensive board and kicked it out to an open Buycks - this time hitting his mark from behind the arc and forcing overtime.
McGary scored five of the Blue's seven overtime points - including the go-ahead free throw with 15.6 seconds remaining. Oklahoma City's defense was fueled by two blocks by Huestis in the extra period and a game-sealing rebound by JP Tokoto on Santa Cruz's final possession.
Buycks finished the night with 27 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals. Huestis, on assignment from the Thunder, totaled 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Talib Zanna added 10 points and seven boards.
"I thought our guys showed great mental toughness down the stretch," said Blue Interim Head Coach Jarell Christian. "Our guys remained focused and maintained resiliency through it all. It was a great team win."
Oklahoma City (14-24) outrebounded the Warriors, 59-45, as eight Blue players collected four or more boards.
Santa Cruz (14-25) was led by Darington Hobson and Verdell Jones, who each scored 25 points.
The Blue and Warriors square off again on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Cox Convention Center. For ticket information, visit OklahomaCityBlue.com.
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