D-Fenders Bench Shuts Down Flash

Published on March 11, 2008 under NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release


EL SEGUNDO, CA - The Los Angeles D-Fenders, behind Sean Banks' 30 points and strong bench play, defeated the visiting Utah Flash, 96-87, Tuesday at STAPLES Center.

Los Angeles (26-11) took control of the game in the fourth quarter with a 12-3 run, started by a 20-foot jumper by D-Fenders guard Brian Morrison with 7:45 to play. Banks calmly hit four free throws in the final 30 seconds to seal the victory.

Led by Darren Cooper's 16 points, Los Angeles' reserves outscored the Flash's bench 38-17. Cooper finished the night a perfect 3-3 from behind the arc. Defensively, Stephane Lasme recorded five blocks and Brandon Wallace chipped in with 11 points, eight rebounds and five blocks off the bench.

"Our bench play was really good tonight. Darren Cooper was excellent coming off the bench and Brian Morrison, too." said D-Fenders Head Coach Dan Panaggio. "The fourth quarter, those two did a great job. Sean Banks hit some free throws at the end of the game, as usual and (Stephane) Lasme did a great job on the defensive end like he has all year."

After ending the first quarter with a one point lead, the D-Fenders extended their lead in the second quarter to as many as 12 points, before going into halftime with a three point lead, 50-47. The game was close throughout the third quarter, with Utah grabbing the lead and going into the final quarter with a 69-67 advantage. That lead was short lived as Los Angeles made their run to take control.

"I just wanted to make sure I got off to a quick start and help the team;" Cooper added. "Coach told me to stay aggressive and so I tried to stay aggressive and look for my shot."

Despite strong play from the NBA assigned players, Utah fell to 18-20 on the season. Kyrylo Fesenko, on assignment from the Utah Jazz, recorded a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds and Gabe Pruitt, on assignment from the Boston Celtics, scored a team-high 23.

The D-Fenders will travel to Bakersfield on Wednesday for a divisional matchup with the Jam. Utah will head back home for a matchup with the Idaho Stampede on Thursday. All games can be seen live online through FREE video web streaming at www.d-league.com.

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NBA G League Stories from March 11, 2008


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