Idaho earns a first round bye in the 2007 NBA Development League Playoffs
April 7, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
Idaho Stampede News Release
BOISE, Idaho - On a night that will go down in franchise history, the Idaho Stampede won their first NBA Development League Western Division title by defeating the Colorado 14ers 114-103 at Qwest Arena in Boise.
With the win, Idaho earns the top seed in the West, a bye in the first round of the 2007 Playoffs, and home court advantage in the division title game. Tickets are on sale now to the general public through the Qwest Arena box office or by calling (208) 331-TIXS (8497). The home playoff game date is yet to be determined.
As was the case through much of the season series between the top two teams in the Western Division, this game was back and forth throughout. There were 12 lead changes and six ties in the game.
The Stampede took a one-point lead going into the fourth quarter, then went on a 7-0 run to start the period, capped by a DeSean Hadley three-pointer to go up 81-73 with 10:19 remaining. Idaho outscored Colorado 40-30 and shot 66.7% in the fourth quarter, guided by five big Eddie Robinson jump shots down the stretch. Robinson scored 11 of his 21 points in the final period.
Idaho shot 59.5% from the field for the game, while Colorado shot 43.5% including 3-of-15 from behind the three-point line.
Along with Robinson, Idaho had three players score 20 or more points and six players overall scoring in double figures. Robinson, Ronell Taylor and Randy Livingston each had 21 points, while Taylor pulled down 10 rebounds and Livingston dished out 11 assists. Lance Allred was the third Idaho player with a double double, with 13 points and 10 rebounds. The Stampede were also sparked by their bench, as Hadley had 14 points and Badou Gaye added 10 points.
"I thought the will of Randy Livingston was MVP calibur tonight," said Stampede Head Coach Bryan Gates.
The 14ers had four players in double figures, led by Von Wafer's game-high 26 points. Pooh Jeter finished with 25 points, and Elton Brown added 23 points and 11 rebounds. Mike Harris was 5-for-5 from the floor and added 11 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for Colorado.
"It has been a battle all year in this series and we're tied 3-3," said Colorado Head Coach Joe Wolf. "We hope to play Idaho again in the playoffs."
Idaho finishes their regular season at home on Friday, April 13 against Tulsa, and Saturday, April 14 against Los Angeles. Colorado plays at home on April 13 against Albuquerque and finishes the regular season on the road at Bakersfield on April 14.
Listen to all Idaho Stampede basketball games on AM 630 KFXD, part of the D-League Radio Network. Watch all Stampede home games live and on-demand at www.idahostampede.com via Fiberpipe Internet Services. Each webcast includes not only great basketball, but also zany on-court promotions and halftime acts.
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