Flyers Escape With Win Over Dazzle

Published on February 3, 2006 under NBA G League (G League)
Fort Worth Flyers News Release


FORT WORTH, Texas - The Fort Worth Flyers escaped with a 109-105 victory over the Roanoke Dazzle, fighting off a determined comeback in the final five minutes from Roanoke on Friday night at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

"Overall we did not play well tonight, but we did show signs of great basketball in spurts tonight," said Flyers head coach Sam Vincent. "We gave them too many opportunities at the free throw line but continued to work hard on defense which helped us pull this one out."

The game tipped off to a fast tempo as Aaron Miles and Will Bynum pushed the ball up the court, leading to easy baskets early for both teams. The Dazzle and Flyers traded baskets for much of the first period, but as the game slowed down so did the scoring with Roanoke leading 23-22 after one period. Fort Worth was able to get their half-court offense going in the second period, and the Flyers were able to regain the lead at the six minute mark. Rawle Marshall and Luke Schenscher led the Flyers into the half with a couple of late hoops to lift their team to a 51-45 lead at the break.

The Flyers came out on fire in the third period, opening it up on a 14-2 run and extending their lead to 65-49 in the first four minutes. Poor shooting by the Dazzle and an opportunistic Flyers defense gave Fort Worth an 86-73 lead heading into the final period. The Flyers seemed to be in control for most of the fourth quarter as they held on to a 10 point lead through much of the final quarter led by Keith Langford and Marshall. With 5:42 left in the game the Flyers were up by 18 points, but the Dazzle would not quit and went on a tear. Bynum and Anthony Grundy led the charge, and with just 13 seconds left, Bryant Matthews hit a leaner to cut the lead to just three points. Langford was fouled immediately and went one for two from the line. The Dazzle were unable to get any last second desperation attempts, and the Flyers walked away with the win.

Fort Worth had five players with 10 points or more and two more with eight as Coach Vincent's team showed a balanced scoring attack. Marshall had a team high 21 points and six boards. Ime Udoka started hot and finished with 19 points and six assists. Martell Webster and Kelenna Azubuike added a combined 20 points and 10 rebounds while Fort Worth native Langford had his best performance as a Flyer with 18 points and five assists.

Roanoke had another stellar night from their guards; Bynum scored 34 points after making 16 of 18 shots from the free throw line, and Grundy put up 22 points. Jason Clark had the only double-double of the game, pulling down 14 rebounds and putting up 10 points. The Dazzle struggled all night from the floor as they shot just 37 percent.

The win moves the Flyers to a mark of 17-11, and the team will have a week off before traveling to Tulsa to take on the 66ers on February 11.

Roanoke drops to 12-14 and will host the Fayetteville Patriots on February 10.

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