Flyers Edge 66ers

Published on December 15, 2006 under NBA G League (G League)
Fort Worth Flyers News Release


FORT WORTH, Texas, December 15, 2006 - The Fort Worth Flyers prevailed over a magnificent but fruitless effort by the Tulsa 66ers, winning 97-91 in the final seconds of the game tonight at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

In the first quarter, the Flyers couldn't shake the 66ers. Tulsa scored at will, and Fort Worth missed 12 of its first 14 shots. Center Luke Schenscher put the Flyers on the board with 9:02 remaining to make the score 5-2. Fort Worth's struggle continued as the team fell behind by 10 points at 25-15 with 2:35 to go. The Flyers shot 34 percent in the quarter, and allowed Tulsa to shoot 55 percent. The first quarter ended with Tulsa hanging on to a 25-20 advantage.

Head coach Sidney Moncrief said the Flyers' adjustment came in the mid first quarter, and the team played better from that point on, including a better defensive effort.

"It really turned around in the second quarter," he said. "A lot of guys made contributions, and that is the way it should be."

In the second quarter, Fort Worth regained its touch, and made exactly half of its baskets. Guard Kelenna Azubuike sparked for 10 points in the quarter, but the Flyers couldn't get past Tulsa. They came within one point at 43-42 when forward Jeremy Richardson made a basket with 1:21 to go. Still, Tulsa ended the quarter with the advantage again, 47-45.

In the first half, the Flyers converted 14 Tulsa turnovers into 13 points; Fort Worth also had seven steals to none by the 66ers. Fort Worth also had more assists in the first half, 10 to Tulsa's eight.

In the third, Fort Worth acquired the 50-49 lead when Richardson scored with 9:08 remaining. Tulsa came back briefly and tied the game at 55 after a basket by Tulsa guard Will Conroy. However, the Flyers prevailed and scurried through the end of the quarter clinging to a lead, and the period ended 69-66. In the third quarter, Richardson had 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting.

Moncrief said after not playing for a week, the team had to adjust to the atmosphere of a game and pick up a rhythm and energy.

"Once we got back into the rhythm of a game, I thought we played better," he said.

In the final frame, the Flyers began with a 9-2 run including six poured in by Schenscher. The teams traded baskets with four lead changes and four ties. With the final tie at 86 with 1:40 left, Fort Worth initiated the road to their fourth consecutive victory at home. Guard Kevin Burleson had the final four points of the game.

Azubuike led all scorers with 28 points, and added three assists and three rebounds. Richardson finished with 22 points and three boards, and Schenscher had 14 points 11 boards and a steal.

For the 66ers, guard Cheyne Gadson led the team with 23 points and four assists. Forward Jean Felix had 17 points, five rebounds and one block; guard Denham Brown had 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists from the bench.

The Flyers improve to 5-1 with the win, and Tulsa drops to 5-4. The Flyers will now travel to Tulsa to battle the 66ers again tomorrow night. Tip off is set for 6 p.m.

"We need to have a better start; we can't play uphill at their place," Moncrief said. "I think back-to-back games are important. We don't have the excuse of we hadn't played the game, so we should be ready to play."

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