D-Fenders Rally Past Energy

Published on March 7, 2008 under NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release


EL SEGUNDO, CA - The Los Angeles D-Fenders came from behind to take down the visiting Iowa Energy, 99-91, Friday at STAPLES Center.

Los Angeles (24-11) fell behind midway through the second quarter by 15 points after a vicious throw down by Iowa forward Doug Thomas, but managed to cut into the lead going into the locker rooms down 50-42. The D-Fenders came out of the break playing tough defense and outscored Iowa 31-16 in the third quarter.

"I was really happy with our second half defense;" said D-Fenders Head Coach Dan Panaggio. "Stephane (Lasme) was really good tonight and Jelani (McCoy) played really well too. We were also able to stay out on their shooters. Overall, we did a good job."

After setting a career high in the D-Fenders last game, Brian Chase continued to shoot the ball well scoring a game high 30 points while also dishing out 6 assists. Sean Banks and McCoy both recorded double-doubles as they joined with Lasme to control the inside, helping Los Angeles outscore Iowa 56-28 in the paint. McCoy had 18 and 16 rebounds and Banks chipped in with 21 and 10. Lasme finished with 19 points, four steals and four blocks.

"The difference in the second half was our defense." said Lasme. "We knew they had shooters, so in the second half we did a great job at stopping their outside shooters."

Jeff Horner led the Energy (17-20) with a triple-double, ending the night with 12 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. Daequan Cook, on assignment from the Miami Heat, led Iowa in scoring with 28 points.

"They hit some big 3's in the second half to give them the momentum and we lost our energy and we lost our energy and cohesiveness." said Energy Head Coach Nick Nurse. "They beat us to the ball a lot in the second half."

The D-Fenders will host cross-town rival Anaheim Arsenal on Sunday, March 9th at STAPLES Center with a 2:30pm scheduled tip-off. Iowa will head to Bakersfield to complete their tour of the Golden State when they face-off with the Jam on Sunday.

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