Flight tops RiverDragons 105-99
April 1, 2005 - NBA G League (G League)
Huntsville Flight News Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. â Forward Cedric Henderson knocked down a three-point jump shot with 2:16 left in the fourth quarter to give Huntsville an 87-86 lead, and the Flight never trailed again in a 105-99 victory over the Columbus Riverdragons in National Basketball Development League action at the Von Braun Center.
The Flight (25-19) took an 80-70 lead four minutes into the fourth, but were unable to maintain the advantage. The Riverdragons (27-17) then went on a 17-6 run over the next six minutes, taking an 87-86 lead on Ramel Curry's lay up with 2:36 left.
Henderson then responded with his long-distance three, sparking Huntsville to a 9-3 run and a 97-90 lead with 24 seconds remaining. The Flight connected on eight straight free throws to seal the win.
The win moved third-place Huntsville to within two games of first-place Columbus. The Flight are one game behind second-place Roanoke (26-19). The Flight and the Riverdragons will square off again tomorrow night in Columbus. After a 94-87 win at home over Asheville earlier tonight, Roanoke travels to Asheville to take on the Altitude again tomorrow night. The four teams are all within four games of one another, and first place remains up for grabs.
Huntsville came out flat in the opening quarter, and Columbus forward Scott Merritt scored eight points to help the Dragons to a 22-17 lead after one. The Flight picked up the pace in the second quarter, connecting on 10-of-19 shots (52.6%), and the game was tied 44-44 at the half.
The teams traded baskets during the third quarter, and Huntsville scratched out a 69-66 lead going into the final period. Huntsville forward Ronald Blackshear helped jump-start the Flight at the beginning of the fourth quarter, scoring 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting, and the Flight went ahead by 10 with 7:59 left.
Earl Barron led the Flight with 22 points, including 8-of-11 from the free throw line. Jason Miskiri finished with 19 points and six assists, and Blackshear tallied 15 off the bench. Rodney Bias had seven points to go along with his game-high 12 rebounds.
Merritt led all scorers with 26 points, and Curry finished 19 for Columbus. Adam Harrington contributed 11 points in 24 minutes off the bench.
• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...
NBA G League Stories from April 1, 2005
- Flight tops RiverDragons 105-99 - Huntsville Flight
- Smush Parker's Double-Double Leads Florida to 94-92 Win Over Fayetteville - Florida Flame
- Thomas crashes Altitude - Roanoke Dazzle
- NBDL daily developments - G League
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
