Dazzle outshine Patriots in overtime, 107-97
March 20, 2005 - NBA G League (G League)
Roanoke Dazzle News Release
ROANOKE, Va. â The Roanoke Dazzle beat the Fayetteville Patriots 107-97 in overtime Sunday afternoon at the Roanoke Civic Center. Coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss the previous night against the Patriots (14-25), the Dazzle (25-15) was able to outscore their opponent 15-5 in the extra period today. Tremendous play from towering James Thomas and Kevin Owens proved to be the difference as both big men had double-doubles. Thomas reached a phenomenal feat as he was the first Dazzle to post a 20/20 this season with 20 points and 22 rebounds. Kevin Owens supported with 17 points and 16 rebounds.
"Between Owens and Thomas, they almost had more rebounds than our whole team," said Fayetteville Head Coach Mike Brown. "They just kind of dominated us inside and we really didn't defend."
With Roanoke trailing almost the entire game, they were finally able to catch up in the fourth quarter when a Garry Hill-Thomas free throw tied the game with 5:50 left in regulation. A Owens free throw then gave the Dazzle a one-point lead. Roanoke had a chance to win with 4.5 seconds but a traveling call gave Fayetteville possession and a chance to win. A 19-footer by Patriots Mike King airballed out of bounds and the two teams went into overtime twice in as many days.
An emotional Roanoke Head Coach Kent Davison grouped his team after the game and gave them an inspirational speech. "I can't be prouder of a group of guys. 32 years of this stuff. For you guys to do it the way you did it today â I love you."
Outshot at the charity stripe 84.4% to 59%, the Dazzle hung in with a good all-around performance by several players. With Thomas and Owens both dominating down low, Garry Hill-Thomas added 17 points, while Miah Davis notched 10. Shooting 50% from behind the arc, Sung-Yoon Bang poured in 20 points himself.
Tang Hamilton led all Fayetteville scorers with 23 points, while Patriots leading scorer David Young contributed 16. Ousmane Cisse and Mike King both posted 12.
Tonight's win put the Dazzle back into first place tie with the Columbus Riverdragons. Winning only 1 out of the last 6 games they played, Roanoke are now back on the right track to clinch a home advantage first round tournament game.
Roanoke takes on the Asheville Altitude, Tuesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at the Roanoke Civic Center. For more information log on to www.nbdl.com or visit www.roanokedazzle.com.
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