Brown Lifts Lowgators Past Flight
January 9, 2004 - NBA G League (G League)
Huntsville Flight News Release
Huntsville, Ala. (Jan. 9) --In the final three minutes of play, Charleston Lowgator Tierre Brown hit a 20 foot jumper, sank two free throws, nabbed a steal, connected on an assist and sank the game ending lay-up, lifting the Lowgators over the Huntsville Flight 100-91 in tonight's National Development Basketball League competition.
The Lowgators (12-5) maintain their hold on first place in the NBDL standings. The Flight (10-6) is suffering a three-game losing streak, it's longest of the season. Each Huntsville loss this season is to a team scoring 100 or more points.
"You can't win games giving a team a 20 point first quarter lead," said Flight head coach Ralph Lewis. "Charleston made some big baskets and maintained composure down the stretch. They played some solid defense and ran a good offence. This was a good win for them."
Charleston held Huntsville to a season low 10 first quarter points. The Lowgators shot 72.2 percent from the field, connecting on 13-of-18 field goals. The Flight shot a mere 22.7 percent from the field, sinking only five of 22 attempts. The Lowgators also out-rebounded the Flight 15-4 in the opening period. Charleston maintained its hold on the lead, ending the half with a 21-point margin (58-37).
Behind Phil Ricci, the Flight battled back from the 21-point deficit, scoring 12 third quarter points. Huntsville outscored the Lowgators 28-20 in the third period, posting 18 points in the paint and converting eight-second chance points. Charleston entered the final period with a 13-point lead. Huntsville mounted a 22-9 run to tie the game at 87 with 3:49 remaining. Charleston responded with a 13-4 run to regain the lead for good.
Ricci, who did not play the fourth quarter due to injury, led the Flight with 18 points on 8-for-11 shooting. He also grabbed three rebounds and posted a steal and a block. Erick Barkley scored 14 points and had a season-high five steals. Rod Grizzard, Rick Apodaca, and Marcus Fleming each scored 12 points.
Alpha Bangura led the Lowgators with 20 points. He also grabbed four boards, dished out three assists and blocked two shots. Rolan Roberts scored 15 points and Brown finished with 12.
The Flight returns to action on Tuesday, January 13 at the Von Braun Center as they take on the Fayetteville Patriots. The Lowgators return home to host the Asheville Altitude on January 14.
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