Idaho starts strong and holds on to win fifth straight at home
April 14, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
Idaho Stampede News Release
BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho Stampede finished off their first regular season in the NBA Development League with a 90-83 victory over the Los Angeles D-Fenders at Qwest Arena in Boise. The season will be one to cherish in the record books, as both Idaho in the Western Division and the Dakota Wizards in the Eastern Division eclipsed the D-League record regular season win total (33) and winning percentage (.660).
The Stampede started the game as they did the night before against Tulsa, with a barrage of assists and open jump shots. Ronell Taylor scored 15 of his 18 points in the first quarter, as Idaho did not turn the ball over and shot 54% from the field in the period. The D-Fenders also shot 54% from the field but turned the ball over eight times and were outscored 33-16 in the first quarter.
Idaho extended their lead to 39-16 on a Ricky Sanchez lay up with ten minutes remaining in the first half, then Los Angeles finished the half on a 21-12 run that cut the Stampede lead to 14 at the break.
The Stampede were outscored 67-57 in the final three quarters, but were able to hold off Los Angeles for the win. Idaho shot just 12 of 22 from the free throw line, but dished out 30 assists compared to 16 assists for Los Angeles.
Including Taylor, Idaho had four players score in double figures, led by Lance Allred's 20 points and 10 rebounds. Eddie Robinson pitched in 19 points and Ricky Sanchez added 10 points. In his second start of the season, Tim Barnes dished out 11 assists.
Los Angeles also had four players in double figures, led by Sean Banks' game-high 21 points, before fouling out with 3:06 remaining in the game. Chet Mason and Nick VanderLaan each had double doubles with 18 points, 11 rebounds and 15 points, 19 rebounds respectively. The D-Fenders were without guards Jackie Manuel and Andre Emmett.
Los Angeles finished the regular season with a 23-27 record, falling short of the final spot in the Western Division playoffs.
Idaho finished the regular season with a 33-17 record and awaits the winner of the first round match up in the Western Division between Albuquerque and Colorado. The Stampede face the eventual winner at home on April 20 for the opportunity to advance to the D-League Championship Game.
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.
The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Anaheim Arsenal (Calif.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Bakersfield Jam (Calif.), Colorado 14ers (Broomfield), Dakota Wizards (Bismarck, N.D.), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Idaho Stampede (Boise), Los Angeles D-Fenders (Calif.), Sioux Falls Skyforce (S.D.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.). Expansion teams for the 2007-08 season have already been announced in Orem, Utah, the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, Des Moines, Iowa and Fort Wayne, Ind.
The D-League continues to develop talent from across all disciplines for the NBA's 30 teams and the entire NBA umbrella. In addition to the assignment of 24 players to D-League affiliates, there have also been 22 GATORADE Call-Ups from the D-League to the NBA this season. Additionally, every referee hired by the NBA since 2002 has worked in the D-League, while coaches, athletic trainers and front office executives are also being developed.
Established to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit D-LEAGUE.com.
NBA G League Stories from April 14, 2007
- Jam Overwhelms 14ers - Bakersfield Jam
- Idaho starts strong and holds on to win fifth straight at home - Idaho Stampede
- Major helps Dakota cruise past Austin - Austin Spurs
- Flyers Crush Skyforce in Regular Season Finale 116-99 - Fort Worth Flyers
- Dakota Wizards Playoff Tickets on Sale Monday - Dakota Wizards
- Raptors Sign Jackson For Rest Of Season And The Next - Idaho Stampede
- D-League daily developments - G League
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