D-Fenders Spoil Wizards' Home Opener
November 25, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
Bismarck, N.D. - Brandon Costner and former Memphis Grizzlies guard, Jamaal Tinsley lead the way for the Los Angeles D-Fenders (1-0) as they defeated the Dakota Wizards (0-1) 86-84 in the Wizards home opener at the Bismarck Civic Center. Costner scored 23 points and grabbed 5 rebounds while Tinsley scored 17 points and dished out 5 assists.
The Wizards fell behind early as they trailed 26-17 at the end of the first quarter. The Wizards were able to trade baskets with Los Angeles throughout the second quarter to stay within reaching distance, but behind Costner's 15 first half points the D-Fenders went into the locker room leading 54-46.
Dakota mounted a comeback early in the third quarter and cut the lead to 57-54 on a Mike Anderson slam dunk. The D-Fenders extended the lead to 6 late in the fourth quarter but the Wizards went on an 8-1 run before Courtney Fortson made 1 of 2 free throws with 1.4 seconds remaining in the game to seal the victory.
Dakota was led by guard Edwin Ubiles with 25 points.
The same two teams will face off tomorrow at the Bismarck Civic Center as Dakota will look to even the weekend series.
• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...
NBA G League Stories from November 25, 2011
- Bighorns Drop Season Opener in Bakersfield - Reno Bighorns
- Tulsa 66ers Begin Season with 89-76 Road Victory over Idaho - Tulsa 66ers
- Stampede Drop Opener to Tulsa - Idaho Stampede
- D-Fenders Spoil Wizards' Home Opener - Dakota Wizards
- Canton Charge Fall in Opener - Cleveland Charge
- Mad Ants Open Season with Win Over Skyforce - Indiana Mad Ants
- Armor Storm Past Red Claws on Opening Night - Springfield Armor
- Energy Roll Past Canton 100-82 in Season Opener - Iowa Wolves
- Gates to be Recognized on Court Before Tonight's Season Opener - Idaho Stampede
- Energy Open Season Tonight at Canton on NBA TV - Iowa Wolves
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
