Flash Hold Off Divison Leading Stampede
Published on February 11, 2008 under NBA G League (G League)
Utah Flash News Release
OREM, Utah, Feb. 11, 2008- The Utah Flash held off a late game charge from Idaho to defeat the West Division leading Stampede, 99-92, Monday night in NBA Development League action at the McKay Events Center.
The Stampede, whose D-League record 18-game winning streak was snapped last Saturday, suffered their second consecutive loss and only their second multiple game losing streak of the season.
"That was a terrific win for our guys tonight." Flash coach Brad Jones said. "We had a lot of fight from the beginning and were able to hold off the best team in the league."
The Stampede fall to 23-7 on the season and travel to Iowa for a Sunday matinee, while the Flash even up their record at 16-16 and resume play after an 11-day break at Tulsa on February 22.
Idaho chipped away at a 23-point Utah second-half lead, outscoring the Flash 30-21 in the final period. Utah's lead was cut to three points with just over three minutes remaining, but the Flash finished the fourth quarter on an 8-4 run to hold off the Stampede.
"Our guys tightened up on defense and we made crucial plays down the stretch on the offensive side of the floor." Jones said.
Utah Jazz assignee Morris Almond led all Utah scorers with 21 points. Kyrylo Fesenko, also on assignment from the Jazz, ended a six-game streak that saw him fail to reach double-digits in either scoring or rebounding with 13 points and 11 rebounds. James Lang chipped in 17 and Brian Jackson contributed 16 points.
"He (Fesenko) is an energy player." Jones said. "Both offensively and defensively he ran the floor well, and when he does that it makes our team better."
The Flash, who entered the night second in the league in offensive rebounds, recorded 18 offensive boards after managing a season-worst seven boards from the offensive glass in Saturday's loss against Anaheim. Utah outrebounded Idaho 51-34.
"Our guys have been terrific rebounders all year." Jones said. "We scored 22 second chance points and that was one of the big differences in the game."
Mickael Gelabale and Mike Taylor each scored 24 points for the Stampede, while Randy Livingston contributed 14 points and Cory Violette 10.
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