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Flyers Outlast Wizards

January 28, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
Fort Worth Flyers News Release


FORT WORTH, Texas, January 28, 2007 - The Fort Worth Flyers moved into first place in the NBA Development League after their second consecutive victory over the Dakota Wizards. The Flyers led most of the game and survived the Wizards' comeback to win 120-113.

Head coach Sidney Moncrief praised Dakota for being a good team, and that beating a good team back-to-back was difficult.

"They're as good as we are. Our guys, under extremely difficult circumstances, were able to [win]. We just hung in there and just kept working and were able to get it done."

In the first quarter, the Flyers jumped to an early double-digit lead, 17-6, with 5:58 remaining after a jump shot by guard Jose Barea. From there, the Wizards scored six straight points, but still couldn't overcome Fort Worth, who led at the end of the period, 30-21.

In the second quarter, Fort Worth continued its control, as the closest Dakota came was 33-27 with 8:30 to go. The Flyers had their largest lead after free throws by forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu put the team up 60-45 with 23.2 seconds to go. The Flyers had another 30-point quarter and held Dakota to 48 percent in the first half. The teams left the floor at halftime with a score of 60-47.

After the break, the Flyers kept their double-digit lead intact until 6:52 remaining, when Dakota forward James Maye nailed a jump shot. The Wizards chipped away at the deficit and came within

78-75 with 3:58 remaining. The teams traded baskets for the remainder of the period, and the Flyers remained on top, 90-86.

In the last quarter, the Wizards obtained their first lead of the game at 94-92 with 9:45 to go. The Flyers tied the game four times after that, and Barea helped the Flyers take a 111-110 lead with a jump shot at 1:28 to go. Dakota tied the game twice, but couldn't conquer the Flyers. With 16.0 seconds to go, a three-point play by guard Corey Santee and two free throws on technical fouls by Barea sealed the second victory of the weekend.

"This is a game of runs," Moncrief said. "We knew that we had one coming, we just didn't know when. We'd like to have it at the end and we did."

He said the game could have gotten away several times, but the Flyers maintained, made plays, and had stops to get the win.

The Flyers were led by Barea, who had 41 points, six rebounds and five assists. Mensah-Bonsu had a double-double with 16 each of points and rebounds, and Thomas added 12 points and six rebounds.

Moncrief said the little things by Barea, like a charge near the end, rebounds and tipping the ball in and making good decisions, helped the team to win.

"All those things are crucial; it's not always points - it's not really always assists. It's rebounds and getting your hands on the basketball. He did a lot of good things today."

For the Wizards, Maye had 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Guard Curtis Stinson had 20 points, four rebounds and two assists, and center Rod Benson had 14 points, ten rebounds and three blocks.

The Flyers improve to 16-7 and Dakota falls to 15-7.

The Wizards will travel to New Mexico to battle the Albuquerque Thunderbirds on Wednesday; tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Flyers remain at home, taking on the Bakersfield Jam on Wednesday at 7 p.m.



NBA G League Stories from January 28, 2007


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