Ignite Falls Short in Regular Season Home Opener to Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 115-109
December 29, 2023 - NBA G League (G League)
NBA G League Ignite News Release
EDINBURG, Texas - NBA G League Ignite (0-1) fell in its regular season opener against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (1-0), 115-109, at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas.
Ignite was led by Ron Holland, who posted a game-high 23 points and six steals. John Jenkins followed with 18 points, three assists and two steals on 5-of-9 shooting from behind the arc. Izan Almansa notched his second double-double of the season with 16 points and 14 rebounds on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, while Babacar Sane tallied 15 points, nine rebounds and three steals.
Jermaine Samuels Jr. paced the Vipers with 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks. Nate Williams followed with 20 points and five rebounds. Jarrett Culver and Jalen Lecque added 17 points apiece. Culver grabbed 10 rebounds to record a double-double, while Lecque tallied five rebounds and five assists.
In a back-and-forth opening quarter that saw eight lead changes, the Vipers took an early six-point advantage heading into the second period. The Vipers took advantage of its length by grabbing eight offensive rebounds, which resulted in 11 second-chance points in the opening period. Ignite fought back to even the score (38-38) early in the second behind Jenkins, who drained back-to-back three-pointers to open the frame. The Vipers responded by scoring 10 consecutive points with a little over five minutes remaining in the half and went on to take a 65-56 lead at the halfway mark. The Vipers scored 48 of its 65 points in the paint, led by Nate Williams, who recorded 17 first-half points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field. Trailing 17 points in the third quarter, Ignite stormed back in the fourth quarter to tie the game (95-95) at the 8:24 mark. The Vipers quickly reclaimed the advantage after going on a 13-4 run to take a nine-point lead late in the game. After trading buckets down the stretch, the Vipers held on en route to securing the victory.
NEXT UP
The two teams will meet again to close out the back-to-back series on Friday, Dec. 28, at the Bert Odgen Arena in Edinburg, Texas, tipping off at 5:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. ET. Coverage will be available on Tubi.
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