Flight Captures Season Opener
November 21, 2003 - NBA G League (G League)
Huntsville Flight News Release
Huntsville, AL (Nov. 21, 2003) âDown one, with four minutes remaining, the Huntsville Flight used a 7-2 run and some solid defense to defeat the visiting Columbus Riverdragons and claim its first win in the 2003-04 season by a score of 87-84.
The Flight (1-0) led by as much as 21 points late in the third quarter, but the Riverdragons went on a 30-10 run, behind strong inside play and several three-point plays. The run gave Columbus (0-1) the lead with four minutes remaining. Their luck would end there as they missed four possible game winning jumpers in the last minute of the game.
The Flight eeked out a five point margin at the half, despite giving up 24 points in the paint and 12 second-chance points to the Riverdragons. The teams traded the lead seven times and were tied nine times in the first two quarters.
"It feels good to get that first home win. We played with a lot of heart and kept going even when down. That shows a lot of character in this team," said Flight head coach Ralph Lewis. "The Riverdragons did a great job fighting back to tie the game and take the lead. They played some good ball tonight."
The Flight's Ronald DuPree led the team with 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting, including 6-for-8 from the free throw line. Phil Ricci posted his first double-double scoring 15 points and pulling down 10 boards, as he posted a perfect 7-for-7 from the line. Each of the Flight starting five finished the game in double-figures.
Kevin Lyde led the Riverdragons with 10 points, on 8-for-14 shooting from the field. Terence Morris posted his first double-double of the season, scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Patrick Doctor and Tai Crutchfield chipped in 13 and 11 points respectively.
This is the third time in as many years that the Columbus Riverdragons and the Huntsville Flight opened the NBDL season. The Flight leads the season-opener series 2-1.
The game will be broadcast on NBA TV on November 24 at 4:30 PM (EST).
The Flight returns to action at the Von Braun Center on Saturday, November 29 at 4 PM against the Columbus Riverdragons.
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NBA G League Stories from November 21, 2003
- Flight Captures Season Opener - Huntsville Flight
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