Idaho tops RimRockers to start Showcase
Published on January 15, 2007 under NBA G League (G League) News Release
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Jan. 6, 2006 - The Idaho Stampede outscored the Arkansas RimRockers by 12 points in the fourth quarter and hung on for a 100-87 victory in the opening game of the 2007 NBA Development MLK Showcase Monday at the Sioux Falls Arena.
The victory was the eighth consecutive for Idaho, who improved to 13-7 on the season. Arkansas lost its 11th consecutive game and fell to 6-13.
The game was relatively close through three quarters, including six lead changes in the final five minutes of the third period before Stampede forward Jeff Graves took over, scoring nine fourth-quarter points to expand a 71-70 Idaho lead after three.
"There were a lot of free throws there in the third," Idaho coach Bryan Gates said. "I told them we have to defend without fouling."
Idaho capitalized on a balanced effort with seven players in double figures. Graves led the way with 19 points, while Ronell Taylor and Ricky Sanchez chipped in 14 and 13, respectively. Center Mouhamed Sene recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
"That's what we've done all year," Gates said. "We don't have anybody in the top 20 in the league in scoring."
Idaho controlled the game early, building a 13-point lead early in the first period behind the play of Jermaine Blackburn, who scored eight early points before finishing with 12. Arkansas had trouble finding the basket, shooting just 7-of-20 (35-percent) from the floor to end the first quarter down 26-19.
Clay Tucker led the RimRockers with 21 points. Tyrone Sally added 19, while Matt Haryasz chipped in 12 and collected nine rebounds.
Arkansas returns to the floor Tuesday at 1 a.m. CT, taking on the Bakersfield Jam. Idaho plays the Anaheim Arsenal at 2 p.m.
NBA G League Stories from January 15, 2007
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- Skyforce handle Austin, 101-81 - G League
- Los Angeles topples Flyers, 111-103 - G League
- Idaho tops RimRockers to start Showcase - G League
- D-League daily developments - G League
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