Flash Can't Overcome Free Throw Discrepancy
February 8, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
Utah Flash News Release
OREM, UTAH - The defending NBA Development League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers hit 23 more free throws in 21 more attempts to win the only meeting of the season against the Utah Flash, 109-99, on Monday at the UCCU Center.
The Vipers (22-9) are now winners of three-straight and 15-of-17. They are also within one game of the first place Tulsa 66ers (23-8).
The Vipers shot 28-for-35 (80%) from the foul line while the Flash (14-15), losers of three-straight, were 5-for-14 (35.7%).
Jeff Adrien scored six early points as the Vipers opened the game on a 10-2 run over the first three minutes. The Vipers extended their lead to 22-6 after Terrel Harris drained a three-pointer at the 5:30 mark.
Adrien recorded his 17th double-double in 22 games with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
The Flash got back within single figures for the first time when Andre Ingram hit a three-pointer to cap a 9-2 run to open the third quarter, making the score 68-59. Jerel McNeal hit a turnaround jumper to put the lead back into double figures, and the Vipers maintained that until late in the quarter, when the Flash twice climbed within seven points at 82-75 on a Jordan Brady reverse lay-up and 84-77 on a Brian Hamilton driving lay-up.
McNeal led the Vipers with 26 points and seven assists while Richard Roby scored with 22 points to go with a career-high 11 rebounds while recording his first double-double.
The Flash got within five at 86-81 after Kevin Kruger nailed a three-pointer, but the Vipers responded with a 7-2 run to build their lead back up to 93-83.
Kruger, who was born in McAllen and is the son of former University of Texas-Pan American head coach Lon Kruger, led the Flash with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting.
Ingram hit a three-pointer to bring the Flash back within 95-90 with 6:50 remaining, but Patrick Sullivan responded with a lay-up to put the Vipers back up by seven.
The Flash are off until Friday, when they head to Tulsa for a rematch with the 66ers.
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