Colorado Rallies Past Dakota
Published on March 21, 2009 under NBA G League (G League)
Colorado 14ers News Release
DENVER - The Colorado 14ers erased a 21 point third quarter deficit by scoring 72 second half points en route to a 118-114 come from behind win over the Dakota Wizards at the Broomfield Event Center Saturday night. Down 64-46 at the half, Colorado outscored Dakota 72-50 after the break to improve to a D-League best 28-12 on the season.
The combination of Billy Thomas and Dominique Coleman led the Colorado comeback in the second half. Thomas scored 19 of his 22 points after the break, with 14 of those coming in the fourth quarter. Coleman posted new season highs of 32 points and eight steals to go along with his nine rebounds and four assists to lead the way for the 14ers in the win.
"When our attitude is right, I think we're the best team in the league," said 14ers head coach Bob MacKinnon. "Dominique is a key to that because he plays hard, he plays with intensity, and he wants to win."
Dakota took control of the game to start the second quarter with a Romel Beck jumper, and led by as many as 19 before the half behind 17 points from Blake Ahearn. The Wizards extended their lead to 21 with a Beck 3-pointer to begin the second half before Colorado started their climb back. The 14ers chipped away behind eight points from Eddie Gill in the third, and pulled to within 92-83 heading to the fourth quarter.
Colorado completed a 19-10 run to start the fourth with a Kentrell Gransberry put back at the 5:27 mark, and then a Coleman steal and 3-pointer put the 14ers ahead for good at 107-104 with 4:33 to play. Coleman's eight steals led the 14ers season-high 23 theft effort as they forced 30 Dakota turnovers on the night.
The Wizards were led by Romel Beck's 30 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Blake Ahearn and Maurice Baker finished with 22 points apiece in the loss.
Both teams will have tough turnarounds tomorrow, with Dakota traveling to Tulsa and Colorado hosting Anaheim in a 3:00 p.m. matinee in Broomfield.
For more information on the 14ers schedule and team, log on to www.14ershoops.com. Tickets for all 14ers home games at the Broomfield Event Center are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, 303-830-TIXS, and at www.ticketmaster.com.
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