Flash Pull Away Late to Win Second Straight
January 8, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
Utah Flash News Release
OREM, Utah - The Utah Flash returned home Friday night to play host to the Reno Bighorns in the second of back-to-back games for the Flash. After a victory over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the NBA D-League Showcase held in Boise Idaho, Utah took the floor showing no ill effects or lack of energy in the second game in as many nights for the Flash. That energy translated to a 85 - 75 victory for Utah.
Utah opened up the game behind the inside play of center Luke Nevill. Nevill had 14 first half points on four of five shooting, and also pulled down four rebounds. Reno who boasts one of the league's leading scorer in Desmond Farmer at 24.9 points per game, were held in check by Utah's good defense. Farmer finished the half with just seven points, shooting 3-9 from the field. Coach Brad Jones said about Farmer "We are always aware when we're facing an offensive player with the ability of a guy like Farmer, but our guys stepped up to the challenge tonight and limited his good looks."
The Flash held Reno to just 43 first half points despite the Bighorns shooting 44 percent from the floor. Utah took a four point lead into the half 47-43. Forward Bennett Davis backed up the play of Nevill, adding nine of his own points as the Utah Flash controlled the paint. Guard Orien Greene chipped in eight points off the bench, including a highlight dunk that brought the McKay Events Center crowd to their feet.
Reno was lead by Forward Doug Thomas who had eight points. Guards Farmer and former Kansas Jayhawks stand out Russell Robinson both had seven points in the first half.
Utah added to their lead in the third quarter behind the play of guard Andre Ingram. Ingram, who was held scoreless in the first half, had nine points in the third. Reno continued to keep the game within reach, battling with a combined effort of four players who scored in double digits. Utah continued to tighten up their defense, holding the Bighorns to just 18 third quarter points
Reno fought back early in quarter number four tying up the score 72-72 with six minutes to play, but that is as close as the Bighorn's would get. Following a Flash timeout, Utah went on an 8-0 run behind six straight points from forward Bennett Davis. Reno called for a timeout down 80-72 with 2:26 left in the fourth to try and stop the bleeding, but they had no answer for Davis who scored another bucket on Utah's next possession out of the timeout. Ingram buried a three pointer from the left wing, giving Utah a decisive 13 point lead with a little over a minute to play.
Reno added just one more field goal before the buzzer sounded leaving Utah with a home court win, 85-75. Reno finished with five men in double figures led by Robinson's 17 points. For the Flash, they were led by Davis with 17 points and six rebounds. Nevill finished with 16 and Greene with 13 for Utah off of the bench.
Utah looks to build on the two game winning streak when they travel to Albuquerque Jan. 10 to face the Thunderbirds.
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