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Green's Threes Pace Riverdragons by Groove

January 11, 2003 - NBA G League (G League)
Columbus Riverdragons News Release


COLUMBUS, Ga., (Jan. 11, 2003) - Home cooking is apparently beginning to appeal to the Columbus Riverdragons. Point guard Nate Green tied a team-record making five 3-pointers on his way to a seaon-high 25 points as the Riverdragons disposed of the Greenville Groove, 94-79, at the Columbus Civic Center.

With the victory, the Riverdragons have won two straight at home for the first time this season. Columbus took care of the N. Charleston Lowgators, 104-79, Friday night at the Civic Center to snap the team's four-game home losing streak. The Riverdragons (11-12) improve to 4-1 in 2003, winners in four of their last five games.

Columbus levied most of the damage in the first half, out-scoring Greenville 31-18 in the second quarter to take a 48-31 lead at halftime. Nate Green buried his third 3-pointer of the first half to put the Riverdragons ahead by 12, 38-26, with 1:55 to play in the second quarter. The Riverdragons would lead by double-digits the rest of the way.

The Riverdragons, who never trailed, led by as many as 20-points on nine different occassions in the second half before sealing the victory.

"I think earlier in the season we all were waiting to get some team chemistry," said Green. "We were waiting to see what everyone can do on the floor. I think we found a little bit of rhythm now but just as soon as you get that rhythm it can go away. It's real important - for this next road game and home next weekend - to at least keep the intensity and keep this rhythm going a little bit."

Green, acquired as a free agent by the Riverdragons Dec. 22, nailed 5-of-8 3-pointers, spearheading Columbus to a team-record tying nine 3-pointers on 64.3% shooting from beyond the arc. Sean Daugherty, Tang Hamilton and Nate Johnson each pitched in 12 points for the Riverdragons.

The Groove (12-11) were led by Greg Jones with 18 points off the bench and Billy Thomas added 15. Groove guard Donald Hand went 7-for-7 from the free throw line to extend his consecutive free throws made streak to 35. The last time Hand missed a free throw was Dec. 22, ironically enough, in Columbus. The Groove have dropped three straight.

Columbus will face their nemesis, the Mobile Revelers, Tuesday night in Mobile. The Riverdragons have lost four straight games to Sam Vincent's crew. Greenville rests until Wednesday when the Groove hosts the first-place Fayetteville Patriots.



NBA G League Stories from January 11, 2003


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