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Flight Soars past Altitude

December 13, 2003 - NBA G League (G League)
Asheville Altitude News Release


Asheville, N.C., December 13, 2003 - The Asheville Altitude suffered their second consecutive loss against the Huntsville Flight, 106-99, Saturday night at the Asheville Civic Center. Three players posted double-double outings including Asheville's Kareem Reid and Desmond Penigar along with Ronald DuPree of the Flight.

Huntsville started off hot, shooting an impressive 75% (12-16) from the field in the first quarter to jump out to a 26-19 lead. Their shooting cooled by the second quarter, surrendering the lead to Asheville, 53-51, following a 16-8 late first-half rally.

"We came out strong but we didn't finish strong enough," said Desmond Penigar. "They just made plays down the stretch and we didn't execute. We should have won the game."

The Altitude, who have not won a game at home dating back to last season, led by as much as 11 points in the quarter, but could not hold off a late Huntsville rally. The Flight outscoring the Altitude 9-0 in the final seconds of the game, regained the lead, and sealed their hard-fought victory by seven points. Phil Ricci shouldered the late load for the Flight scoring 10 points, connecting on 5-6 baskets in the quarter.

Asheville starters came up big, scoring 82 of the Altitude's 99 points. Bench play favored the Flight, who outscored Asheville's bench by 12, 38-26. Player of the game Desmond Penigar led all scorers pouring in 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for the Altitude. Kareem Reid also recorded 15 points and 10 assists. After missing last night's game with an ankle injury, Brandon Kurtz reentered the starting line-up scoring in 17 points and six rebounds. Lavor Postell chipped in 13 points and four rebounds for Asheville.

"We played better tonight than we have, but their bench beat us," said Head Coach Joey Meyer.

Huntsville had four players reach double figures, led by Ricci with 24 points and three assists. DuPree posted a double-double for Huntsville, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Mateen Cleaves came off the bench to add 19 points, six assists and five rebounds.

The loss marks Asheville's fourth consecutive loss at home and third straight overall, dropping their record to 2-6. Huntsville improves to 6-1 and remains at the top of the league standings. The Altitude travels to Roanoke to take on the Dazzle on Saturday Dec. 20.

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