Hustle Suffer Third Home Loss of the Season, Fall to Skyforce
Published on February 20, 2020 under NBA G League (G League)
Memphis Hustle News Release
Southaven, Miss. - The Memphis Hustle (25-11) lost a 120-97 decision to the Sioux Falls Skyforce Wednesday night at Landers Center. The 23-point margin marks the largest defeat of the season for Memphis, despite the team only committing eight turnovers, as Sioux Falls outscored the Hustle 73-41 in the middle quarters.
Memphis led by six (28-22) after the first quarter despite an 11-0 run spanning 4:46 from Sioux Falls, giving the Skyforce its first lead of the game. With 1.8 seconds left in the frame, the Hustle used an inbounds play from behind halfcourt to free up Ahmad Caver for a buzzer-beating three from the corner. Jarrod Uthoff hit four threes in a row to start the game, but the rest of the team started 1-of-14 combined from the field.
Sioux Falls dominated the second, outscoring Memphis 36-16 while holding the Hustle to 25.0 percent shooting in the period and 30.6 percent in the first half as a whole. The Skyforce outscored the Hustle 23-3 in fast break points and 32-14 in the paint for the half while holding a 37-21 edge on the boards. The Hustle would come no closer than 10 points down the rest of the way.
Dusty Hannahs (22 points) led the Hustle in scoring for the 12th time this season. Jarrod Uthoff followed suit with 20 points and 11 rebounds, marking his 17th double-double of the season and his fifth straight while also marking his third straight performance of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. Marquis Teague (12 points, 10 rebounds) added his first double-double of the season while Shaq Buchanan added 15 points off the bench.
Sioux Falls had three players record double-doubles, led by Heat assignee KZ Okpala's 22-point, 16-rebound performance. Marcus Lee added 16 points and 14 rebounds on 7-of-11 shooting. Daryl Macon contributed 13 points and 10 assists in a reserve role.
The Hustle will go on a brief one-game trip when the team takes on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers this Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m. CT. Memphis returns for a home back-to-back to battle for Western Conference supremacy against the Salt Lake City Stars on Feb. 28 and 29. Both games are slated to tip-off at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available starting at $10 each and fans wishing to attend can purchase tickets at ticketmaster.com, the Landers Center Box Office, online at MemphisHustle.com or by calling (901) 888-HOOP.
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