G League Wisconsin Herd

Drive Cruise Past Herd

Published on February 5, 2019 under NBA G League (G League)
Wisconsin Herd News Release


OSHKOSH, Wis. - The Grand Rapids Drive notched a 108-88 road victory over the Wisconsin Herd at Menominee Nation Arena on Monday night.

The Drive got off to a rapid start, getting on the board first to propel a lead they would not give up the entire game.

Strong defense and impressive shooting allowed Grand Rapids to go on a near seven-minute run, increasing their 7-4 lead at the 9:32 mark to 21-6 by the time Wisconsin ended its drought with 2:51 remaining in the opening quarter. The Drive shot 46.2 percent as a team in the quarter, led by forward Isiah Whitehead, who scored 7 points (3-3 from the field) and grabbed four rebounds. The Herd were held to just 28 percent shooting, including 0-6 from beyond the arc. The opening frame ended 27-14 in favor of Grand Rapids.

The Drive continued to build their lead in the second quarter as they made five of their eight attempts from three-point range. In addition to their strong shooting effort, they also forced nine Herd turnovers in the first half that converted into 21 points to enter the break with a 62-37 advantage.

Wisconsin appeared to have found its rhythm in the third, outscoring the Drive 32-24 on 11-of-24 shooting. Herd center Shevon Thompson led his team's big quarter, notching 11 points and six boards in the period.

Thompson finished the game with 15 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, but it wasn't enough as the Drive closed a 22-point fourth quarter to claim the 108-88 win over the Herd.

Grand Rapids saw six players score in double figures, powered by Michael Bethea Jr.'s 18 points and seven rebounds off the bench. The Herd also had six players score at least 10 points, led by forward Michael Qualls who poured in 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists as a reserve.

The biggest difference maker in the game was the Drive's ability to convert shots. They went 45-for-104 from the field (43.3 percent), compared to Wisconsin's 38 percent, including just 4-for-22 (18.2 percent) from beyond the arc.

Both teams take the floor again on Wednesday. Wisconsin is back at Menominee Nation Arena to take on Raptors 905, while Grand Rapids makes the trip to Canton to face the Charge.

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