D-Fenders Return Home and Cruise Past the Warriors
March 23, 2014 - NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release
EL SEGUNDO, CA - The Los Angeles D-Fenders (27-16) defeated the Santa Cruz Warriors (26-19) 140-121 on Saturday night at Toyota Sports Center.
In the first quarter, the D-Fenders paired an impressive defensive effort, forcing Santa Cruz into eight turnovers, with an efficient offensive performance, connecting on seven three-point field goals, to claim an early 20-point advantage after one frame. Los Angeles saw their lead grow to as large as 25 points in the second period, but eventually laid claim to 13-point edge after one half of play. In total, the D-Fenders shot 50.9 percent from the field and 44.0 percent from the three-point line in the first half.
Los Angeles re-established their offensive prowess in the third quarter and totaled a third quarter season-high 44 points, on eight of 15 from beyond the arc. Carrying a 30-point lead into the final twelve minutes, the D-Fenders struggled to maintain their offensive dominance in the final frame, but never saw their lead dip below 10 points. Inevitably, Los Angeles secured their 27th victory of the season by a 19-point margin.
With a season-high 38 points and 14 rebounds, Brandon Costner led the Los Angeles offense tonight. Also finishing in double-digits for the D-Fenders were, Shawne Williams (20 points, seven rebounds), C.J. Williams (18 points, seven rebounds), James Southerland (16 points), Terrence Williams (15 points, 13 assists), Josh Magette (15 points, six assists) and Andre Ingram (15 points).
The Warriors were paced by Cameron Jones (31 points) and Joe Alexander (20 points, seven rebounds). In addition, Lance Goulbourne (19 points, 11 rebounds), Golden State Warriors assignment player Ognjen Kuzmic (12 points, 14 rebounds) and Hilton Armstrong (11 points, 11 rebounds) all finished with double-doubles for Santa Cruz.
Overall, the D-Fenders converted 24 three-point field goals, which is only two behind the NBA D-League all-time record that they set earlier this season. Furthermore, Los Angeles held the lead from the 11:02 mark of the first quarter until the end of the game.
The D-Fenders will next travel to Bakersfield to take on the Bakersfield Jam at 7:00pm, on Friday, March 28th, at Dignity Health Events Center, in Bakersfield, California.
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