G League Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Last Second Free Throws Lead Dakota Past Vipers

December 4, 2008 - NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release


Renaldo Major hit two free throws with one second left in the game to lead the Dakota Wizards (1-2) past the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (2-2) 100-98 tonight at Dodge Arena.

Down 98-95 with 10.1 seconds remaining, Smush Parker hit a three- pointer to tie the game. Dakota called their final timeout to advance the ball, but a scrum ensued and the ball went out of bounds in the backcourt off of the Vipers. Major rushed the ball down the court towards the basket and drew a foul from Kendall Dartez, leading to the game-winning free throws. He finished 8-10 from the line.

The Vipers had a chance to win it, calling timeout to advance the ball, but Trent Strickland had trouble in-bounding the ball past the 7-2, 280 pound Memphis assignee Hamed Haddadi and Parker's desperation shot fell short.

Craig Winder sparked the Vipers offense off the bench with a season- high 19 points, including 4-6 shooting from behind the arc.

Denham Brown tied for the game-high with 22 points for the Wizards, hitting a game-high 11 shots on a game-high 18 attempts.

Alton Ford had his first double-double of the season with 22 points and 10 rebounds on the evening. Trent Strickland finished with 17 points while hauling in five rebounds.

The Vipers outscored the Wizards in every quarter except the third. The Wizards opened the quarter on an 8-2 run and closed it on a 5-0 run as they outscored the Vipers 34-20 to take a 78-72 lead. Brown scored ten of his points in that quarter.

The Vipers trailed 6-4 after Maurice Baker hit a jumper 1:41 into the game, but the Vipers responded with a 9-0 run over the next 2:40. Trent Strickland capped the run with a three-pointer and a jumper.

Parker made a jumper with 3:41 remaining in the first quarter to give the Vipers a 25-13 lead, but the Wizards responded with a 14-3 run to get within 28-27 early in the second. Winder ended the run with his first three-pointer.

The Vipers will be back in action on Sunday, December 7th at 3:30 p.m. when they host Idaho at Dodge Arena.

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