D-Fenders upend Wizards
Published on December 19, 2006 under NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
BISMARCK N.D., December 19, 2006 - For the first time this season the Dakota Wizards were not victorious at the Bismarck Civic Center, as the Wizards were defeated by the LA D-Fenders 96-91.
The game was back and forth all night long with 15 ties and 18 lead changes. The Wizards, now 6-2, held as big as a 12 point lead early in the third quarter, but their last minute rally fell short as Wizards forward Quemont Greer missed two attempts to tie the game with 31.8 second left.
"We play a quarter to a quarter and a half of good basketball," said Wizards Head Coach Dave Joerger. "We can't do that and expect to win a game, that's not how this league or this game works."
After a late second quarter rally gave the Wizards a 49-45 lead going in to the half, the D-Fenders came out of the locker room a determined team, outscoring the Wizards 23-17 in the third. The fourth quarter was a see-saw battle and the game was eventually tied at 91 with 31 seconds left, but Wizards forward Awvee Storey foul on D-Fenders guard Devin Green and his subsequent free throws spelled doom for the Wizards. Green ended with a game high 20 points to go along with his eight assists and the D-Fenders upped their record to 6-5 and were able to escape Bismarck with a victory.
"This is a good start for us, we start a pretty tough road trip and to get one here means a lot," said Head Coach Dan Panaggio. "Devin was the man for us tonight in the fourth quarter. He had a great game."
The Wizards finished with four guys in double figures. Leading the way was Greer's 19 points and six rebounds off the bench. Guard James Maye added 17, while guard Maurice Baker scored a season high 14 points, eight of those coming in the first quarter.
Both teams return to action this Friday as LA heads to Arkansas for a match up with the Rimrockers and the Wizards head to Colorado for a 6:00 pm CT match up against the Western Division leading 14ers. Both games can be heard on www.d-league.com.
NBA G League Stories from December 19, 2006
- D-Fenders upend Wizards - Dakota Wizards
- Stampede and Rescue Mission team up for the holidays - Idaho Stampede
- Fort Worth gets Rich - Fort Worth Flyers
- 66ers win double overtime thriller - Tulsa 66ers
- Former NBA player Luke Jackson headed to Idaho - Idaho Stampede
- D-League daily developments - G League
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