Flyers Fall to 66ers

Published on December 28, 2005 under NBA G League (G League)
Fort Worth Flyers News Release


FORT WORTH, Texas, December 27, 2005 - Torraye Braggs' tip-in at the buzzer gave the Tulsa 66ers an 87-85 victory over the Fort Worth Flyers on Tuesday night at the Fort Worth Convention Center and snapped the Flyers' five-game winning streak.

The Flyers struggled with their shot from the beginning, shooting 28 percent from the field in the first quarter and just 39 percent on the night. Fort Worth was able to scrap around all game, never allowing the 66ers to get full control even though they were dominated by Tulsa on the inside.

"We were a tired team tonight and it showed," said head coach Sam Vincent. "I want to applaud my guys for their effort, but I am disappointed in the play we got from our big men."

It was a flat night from the opening tip for the home team as the 66ers were able to dominate early in the paint and establish their offense. Tulsa jumped out to a 22-17 first quarter lead and seemed to have all of the momentum. John Lucas and Braggs were able to get it going early from the inside and outside, but the pesky Flyers were able to make a run led by Kelenna Azubuike to end the second quarter tied at 42.

The ice cold shooting of the Flyers continued in the second half and Tulsa came out aggressive, going on an 11-2 run to extend their lead to 53-44 with 7:40 left in the third quarter. The Flyers managed only 14 points in the entire third period, and Tulsa took a 64-56 lead into the final quarter. However, the Flyers refused to quit on this difficult night, storming back in the fourth quarter and giving the 66ers all they had. Trading baskets down the stretch, Fort Worth was able to get two break away buckets from Azubuike and Brandon Robinson to cut the lead to 83-79 with 1:26 left in the game. The Flyers were able to tie it with just 6.3 seconds left when Ime Udoka dished the ball to Anthony Terrell who slammed it home. Tulsa head coach Joey Meyer called timeout and drew up a play for Lucas to go one-on-one. Lucas missed and Braggs was able to tip it in before time expired to give the 66ers the win.

The Tulsa 66ers were led by their twin towers of Braggs and Tony Kitchings as the Flyers struggled to find the right match up for the big men all night. Both players had double-doubles with Braggs scoring 13 points and pulling down 14 rebounds and Kitchings adding 11 points and 12 rebounds. Tulsa's leading scorer was Desmon Farmer with 20 points, and Seamus Boxley chipped in with 12 as four of the five Tulsa starters scored in double figures.

The Flyers' starters struggled to find rhythm throughout the game which gave the bench a chance to step in to help the offense. Azubuike led Fort Worth with 19 points and seemed to be the only Flyer able to score from the outside. Robinson and Udoka were the only starters in double figures with Robinson scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 boards while Udoka chipped in with 13 points. Terrell gave the Flyers a late surge and ended up with a double-double, coming off the bench to score 15 points and pull down 10 rebounds.

Next up for the 8-4 Fort Worth Flyers will be a road trip to Arkansas to face the RimRockers on December 30.

The win improves Tulsa's record to 6-7, and the 66ers will travel to Austin to play the 2-6 Toros on December 28.

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