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Flame Bench Delivers As Florida Tallies Season Opening Win

November 25, 2005 - NBA G League (G League)
Florida Flame News Release


ESTERO, Fla. - A concern for Jeff Malone turned into a surprising strength on Friday night as the Florida Flame bench contributed 48 points to the cause and the Flame won their 2005-06 D-League season opener, 104-91, over the Roanoke Dazzle at Germain Arena. Bracey Wright, tallied a team-high 24 points in the victory for Florida (1-0), hitting 10 of 18 shots.

Florida's bench outscored Roanoke 48-9 and outrebounded the Dazzle 24-15 in the victory. Josh Gross, on his twenty-second birthday, hit for 17 points off the bench, including three treys to provide a big lift for the Flame, while George Leach added 14 points and seven rebounds in a reserve role.

"I was truly concerned about my bench heading into tonight's game but they showed that they can be effective," said Flame Head coach Jeff Malone. "Bracey will get his points, but the play of Josh and George was outstanding as well."

Roanoke (1-2) jumped out to a 25-18 first quarter lead behind 10 points from Andreas Glyniadakis and a strong defensive effort that held Florida to 35 percent shooting in the period. But a three-pointer from Gross prior to the quarter horn provided the momentum for Florida heading into the second period.

The Flame took control in the second stanza behind the strong play of Wright whose steal and breakaway dunk capped off a 12-4 run that put Florida up 30-29 with 8:22 remaining in the half. Wright posted 10 points in the quarter and the Dazzle hit just nine of 25 shots as the Flame outscored Roanoke 33-25 in the period to take a 51-50 advantage at halftime.

Florida put the game away in the fourth quarter, limiting the Dazzle to just 17 points and six field goals in the period. Andre Barrett hit for nine points and Gross notched six as the Flame outscored Roanoke in the 26-17 in the period to pull away for the win.

Five players scored in double figures for the Flame. Along with Wright's 24, Gross's 17, and Leach's 14 points, Barrett posted a double-double with 17points and 10 assists, while Hiram Fuller picked up where he left off last season with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Four played scored in double figures for the Dazzle, led by a game-high 27 points from Glyniadakis. Anthony Grundy contributed 24 points, Isiah Victor tallied 14, and Peter Ramos finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.

The Flame and Dazzle will return to action tomorrow night in the second game of this back-to-back weekend series. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. EST at Germain Arena.

For additional information, please visit floridaflame.com or contact Florida Flame Director of Media Relations, Tim Becwar at (239) 561-8130 and tbecwar@nba.com. For additional information on the NBA Development League please visit NBADLEAGUE.com.



NBA G League Stories from November 25, 2005


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