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Ejim's Buzzer Beater Gives BayHawks Win at NBA D-League Showcase

Published on January 8, 2016 under NBA G League (G League) News Release


SANTA CRUZ, CA - The Erie BayHawks (6-11) defeated the Austin Spurs (14-6) on Thursday, 93-91, at the NBA Development League Showcase in Santa Cruz, CA.

Tied 91-91, the BayHawks forced a shot clock turnover with 3.5 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing possession, Erie's Jordan Sibert got a good look at a 15-foot jump shot that came up short, but Melvin Ejim was there for the put back at the buzzer to give the BayHawks the victory in the their first game of this year's Showcase.

The BayHawks led by as many as 14, 25-11, with 3:54 remaining in the first quarter and eventually closed the quarter with a 25-17 advantage. Sibert led the BayHawks with seven first-quarter points and Orlando Johnson played all 12 minutes and added 10 points.

Austin clawed their way back fueled by a 20-5 run in the second quarter, eventually taking the 46-45 lead into halftime behind 50 percent (8-of-16) shooting from the field and a perfect 11-of-11 from the foul line, while limiting the BayHawks to just 36.8 percent (7-of-19) shooting. Johnson led all scorers with 17 first-half points on 5-of-11 (46 percent) shooting.

Devyn Marble heated up in the third frame for the BayHawks, making four of his five shots including two-of-two from downtown for a quarter-high 10 points, but the Spurs stayed efficient offensively, converting 11 of their 21 shot attempts (52 percent) and five-of-eight from downtown (63 percent).

The BayHawks clamped down defensively in the fourth quarter, limiting the Spurs to just 25 percent (4-of-16) and chose an opportune time to have their best shooting quarter (11-of-22) to secure the 93-91 comeback victory.

Seven BayHawks finished in double figure scoring, with Keith Appling leading the way with 17 points, a game-high 11 assists and a season-high six steals.

Youssou Ndoye contributed a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double for the Spurs and Johnson finished with a game-high 19 points.

Erie will play their final game of the D-League Showcase on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m. ET against the Bakersfield Jam (9-13). Austin will travels to Bakersfield to take on the Jam for their next contest on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 10 p.m. ET.

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