D-Fenders Fall To Western Conference Leader

Published on January 31, 2010 under NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release


HIDALGO, TEXAS - The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (20-6) head coach Chris Finch notched his 401st career-victory in a 112-110 win over the Los Angeles D-Fenders (8-14) tonight at Dodge Arena.

The D-Fenders hit 12 of their first 13 field goal attempts, including their first 11 inside the arc while jumping out to a 16-16 lead with 4:34 left in the first quarter. Diamon Simpson hit seven of those field goals, all from the inside, while scoring 14 of his team-high 25 points. The Vipers tried to close the quarter on a 9-1 run, but Dar Tucker hit a three-pointer from several feet beyond the left wing at the buzzer to give the D-Fenders a 36-29 lead after shooting 75% (15-for-20) from the field. The Vipers hit 11-of-21 shots (52.4%).

Down 41-32 2:06 into the second quarter, the Vipers went on an 20-0 run powered by two three-pointers by Ernest Scott, one by Jonathan Wallace, one by Garrett Temple, a thunderous slam by Craig Winder, two lay-ups by Mike Harris and two free throws by Antonio Anderson to take the lead at 52-41 until Tucker hit a lay-up at the 5:15 mark. The Vipers hit 14-of-22 (63.6%) shots in the second quarter and held the D-Fenders to 6-for-19 (31.6%) to take a 66-56 lead at halftime.

Joe Crawford hit a three-pointer to bring the D-Fenders within 102-99 with 4:18 remaining in the game, and then 109-107 with 44.1 seconds left after Ryan Forehan-Kelly hit a three-pointer and Simpson hit a free throw. Garrett Temple hit a pair of free throws with 26.1 seconds left to give the Vipers a four-point lead, but Horace Wormely launched a long three with eight seconds left to make it 111-110. Harris hit the first of two free throws, but Crawford missed a three-pointer at the buzzer.

Scott hit a career-high tying six three-pointers in seven attempts while finishing with a season-high tying 20 points. Harris recorded his ninth double-double of the season with 27 points and 10 rebounds.

The D-Fenders were led by Simpson, who also had eight rebounds. Dar Tucker finished with 21 points and eight rebounds while Crawford scored 22 points.

The D-Fenders continue on the road as their next two games will be at the Bakersfield Jam Event Center, February 2nd and 3rd. Tune in to the NBA Futurecast at www.nba.com/futurecast to watch the D-Fenders take on the Jam at 7pm, February 2.

To purchase your tickets for the next D-Fenders home game, please contact us at d-fendersintern@d-fenders.com or call us at 310-343-3110.

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NBA G League Stories from January 31, 2010


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