Defense Fuels 66ers OT Victory Over Fort Wayne
December 16, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
Tulsa 66ers News Release
TULSA, Okla., Dec. 16, 2010 - The Tulsa 66ers (6-4) prevailed in a defensive battle Thursday evening against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (5-4) and Latavious Williams broke the 66ers individual rebounding record in a 100-93 final score in overtime inside the Tulsa Convention Center. The 66ers forced 30 Mad Ant turnovers and connected on 28-30 free-throws to seal their third straight win.
"It was a grind-it-out game," 66ers head coach Nate Tibbetts said. "Both teams were just trying to find a way to win. Neither team had its best stuff, but we grinded it out and I'm really proud of our guys."
Notching double-doubles for Tulsa was Williams with 12 points and 21 rebounds, including 10 offensive, and Marcus Lewis with 10 points and 10 boards. Williams' rebound total set a 66ers record, breaking his previous mark of 19 last season.
Also scoring in double figures for the 66ers were Larry Owens (19), Elijah Millsap (14), Robert Vaden (13), Ryan Reid (12) and Tweety Carter (10).
Fort Wayne was led by Marvin Phillips with 21 points and 19 rebounds. Also in double figures for the Mad Ants was Roderick Wilmont with 19, Chris Hunter with 17 and Darnell Lazare with 16.
After the third period, the 66ers were a perfect 24-24 from the charity stripe.
"Our guys really stepped up and made those free throws when they needed to," Tibbetts said. "I believe that's a result of what we are doing in practice every day and our team is taking a lot of pride in that."
The 66ers and Mad Ants will complete the back-to-back set tomorrow evening, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. inside the Tulsa Convention Center.
"We know that Fort Wayne will be better tomorrow and we have to be, too," Tibbetts added. "I think we will be ready for another challenge."
On Friday, the 66ers and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma are teaming up for a holiday food drive. Fans who bring non-perishable food items to the game will receive raffle tickets for prizes to be awarded throughout the evening. Additionally, the 66ers are offering a special package that includes a lower level game ticket, hot dog and soda for just $10 by calling the 66ers business office at (918) 585-8444.
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