G League Iowa Wolves

Huge 3rd Quarter Rally Pushes Energy Past Rio Grande Valley 123-106

Published on April 25, 2011 under NBA G League (G League)
Iowa Wolves News Release


DES MOINES, IA, April 24, 2011 - The Iowa Energy used a 29-7 run that spanned most of the 3rd quarter to defeat the Rio Grande Valley Vipers 123-106 in game 1 of the NBA D-League Finals.

Iowa trailed 45-31 after Vipers guard Jerel McNeal hit a 3-pointer with 9:56 left in the 2nd quarter. The Energy chipped away at the lead later in the quarter as a 19-4 run, fueled by eight points from Energy guard Moses Ehambe, gave Iowa a 59-57 lead. Rio Grande Valley answered Iowa's surge, as the hosts ended the quarter on a 6-0 run of their own to take a 63-59 lead into the locker room.

Despite allowing the Vipers to shoot over 51% from the field in the 1st half, and being outrebounded 31-16 by Rio Grande Valley, the kept the game close, setting up the 3rd quarter heroics.

The Energy defense, which struggled in the 1st half, clamped down on the Vipers in the 2nd half. Iowa forced their opponents into eight straight missed shots to open the half, and scored seven points of their own during that stretch to take a 66-63 lead.

After a bucket by Viper Richard Roby, the Energy exploded for 10 points in 1:22 to take a commanding 76-63 lead. That 10-0 run featured Ehambe again, as the 6'6" sharp shooter drilled three jump shots during the spurt.

Iowa would extend their lead to 18 points later in the 3rd quarter, but would have to fend off one last push by the hosts.

Down 108-96 with 3:47 left, the Vipers scored eight straight points to cut the lead to four. With the lead slipping away, Iowa went to D-League MVP Curtis Stinson, and he delivered with a jump shot to extend the lead back to six. After Energy center Scott VanderMeer blocked a shot by Mohammed Faye, Ehambe and Michael Haynes hit back-to-back 3-pointers to put the game away for Iowa.

Stinson recorded a triple-double in the game with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Backcourt mate Stefhon Hannah nearly matched Stinson's triple-double, as he finished with 20 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds. Ehambe added 26 points for Iowa while VanderMeer finished with 7 blocked shots.

The Vipers were led by Faye's 22 points while McNeal added 20 in the loss.

The win puts Iowa one game away from their first championship in team history. Game 2 is Wednesday in Des Moines, and the team has announced a "White Out" promotion. Fans will receive a free White Out Energy t-shirt when they arrive at the game. All fans are encouraged to arrive early due to the large crowd size.

Tickets for Wednesday's game are available at www.IowaNBA.com, by calling 564-8550 or at the arena box office.

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