NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Flyers Top Wizards

January 27, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
Fort Worth Flyers News Release


FORT WORTH, Texas - The Fort Worth Flyers celebrated a happy homecoming tonight at the Fort Worth Convention Center. After a seven-game road trip, the Flyers returned to trounce the league-leading Dakota Wizards 119-109. Guard Jose Juan Barea, assigned by the Dallas Mavericks, made his home debut.

Head coach Sidney Moncrief said it felt great to be back at home, and overall, the Flyers played well on the road.

"We're a good home team and we responded well," he said. "We traveled yesterday and then to come back in and play and then perform like they did, that's a credit to the guys and their ability to stay focused and play hard."

In the first quarter, the Flyers came out strong, hitting six of their first 12 shots. Each starter was on the board with 7:47 to go after forward Terrance Thomas had a lay in. Fort Worth kept up the pace, especially on the defensive end. The home team had seven blocks in the quarter, including four from center Luke Schenscher. Barea had 10 points in the quarter, helping the Flyers to a 31-25 advantage.

In the second quarter, Fort Worth continued its dominance. The Wizards came within 46-43 with 3:42 to go, but the Flyers soon recovered. Free throws by Barea elevated Fort Worth to 55-45 with 2:20 to go, and forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu followed up with his own free throws to put the home team up by a dozen. Dakota clawed its way back, though, and whittled the Flyers' lead to 61-56 before retreating to the locker room.

In the third, the Flyers flirted with a double-digit lead that peaked at 92-73 with 1:03 to go after a lay in by forward Chris Copeland. Guard Corey Santee nailed three 3-pointers, and Fort Worth still led at the end of the period, 93-77.

In the final frame, the Flyers survived a comeback from Dakota. The Wizards came within 112-108 at 1:42 to go after consecutive three-point plays by Dakota guard James Maye. However, Fort Worth prevailed, and although the team scored its last six points with free throws, won 119-109.

"We hope to maintain leads, but more importantly, we hope to win the game," Moncrief said. "We know they're going to make runs. That's typically what you find with good teams."

Barea led the Flyers with 25 points, 11 assists and added six rebounds. Mensah-Bonsu had 22 points, 18 rebounds, four blocks and two steals. From the bench, Santee finished with 21 points and three rebounds.

Moncrief praised Barea for his performance and that two turnovers to 11 assists says a lot about the quality of the player. He also said the team embraces players assigned from NBA teams.

"That's what you want out of a point guard," Moncrief said. "He makes good decisions, and he knows how to control the tempo, runs the screen and roll extremely well and pushes the ball up the court. He makes us a better team."

The Wizards were led by Maye, who had 25 points and six rebounds. Forward Renaldo Major added 21 points and four rebounds, and guard Curtis Stinson chipped in 13 points, four assists and three rebounds.

The Flyers improve to 15-7 while the Wizards fall to 15-6. The teams will meet again Sunday at the Convention Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...

NBA G League Stories from January 27, 2007


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.

Other Recent Fort Worth Flyers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central