G League Texas Legends

Legends Grab Last Second Victory in Home Opener

Published on November 22, 2013 under NBA G League (G League)
Texas Legends News Release


FRISCO, TX - The Texas Legends, presented by Veracruz (visit Veracruz.mx), grabbed an early lead in their home opener against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and scrambled to hold on through the final buzzer. The Legends open the season 1-0 after a 100-99 nail-biter over the Mad Ants.

The Mad Ants started quick with a jumper by Ron Howard for the first score of the game, but the Legends answered immediately when Devin Ebanks knocked down a three. The two teams fought a back and forth battle with the Legends struggling to pull ahead and the Mad Ants clawing back at every chance. Texas pulled to 25-20 at the end of the first and held onto a four-point advantage going into halftime up 55-51.

Coach Eduardo Najera lit a fire that ignited the Legends to outscore the Mad Ants 27-19 in the third, giving the Legends their largest lead of the game. The Legends, behind the hot shooting of Booker Woodfox who had nine in the third, went into the final quarter up 82-70, but the Mad Ants found an answer. Ramon Harris posted seven points in the fourth as the Mad Ants rallied back. The game came down to the final seconds as Ron Howard tied the score at 99 with 23 seconds left. Fans waited anxiously through a long deliberation by officials before the call was made to send Chris Douglas-Roberts to the line. Douglas-Roberts hit his technical throw to take the Legends to their final lead 100-99.

The Legends were led in scoring by Douglas-Roberts (21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists) and Ebanks who had the team's only double-double (20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists). Ron Howard was the high scorer for the Mad Ants with 19 points while Olek Czyz added the game's second double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist).

The night was made special for the Legends beyond the scoreboard as the charity of the night, PSC Partners Searching for a Cure, raised awareness for primary sclerosing cholangitis and celebrated the life of Rick Faling, former president of the night's sponsor HCFS.

The Legends also introduced their new season-long charitable initiative, the Dream Maker Program presented by Dr Pepper. Legends fans learned the story of Hayden Bruner a 7-year old boy fighting against leukemia. Hayden was introduced to the Legends by sponsors Tim and Leslie Grubbs who heard Hayden's story and granted his wish to go to Legends' basketball camp. After camp, Hayden saw another dream come true when Legends' owner Donnie Nelson introduced him to Mavericks' big man Dirk Nowitzki who challenged Hayden to a game of one-on-one. Hayden kicked off the season opener with his story of hope and reminded Legends' fans of the team's true mission. Dr Pepper and Dream Maker will highlight a new recipient each game as they work to make an impact on the community around us. Nominations for the Dream Maker program can be sent online at http://www.nba.com/dleague/texas/tlcdreammaker.html.

The Legends will host a rematch against Fort Wayne tomorrow at 7pm on Veracruz Court. The game will be broadcast live on radio-KVCE 1160am-and television-KTXD 47. For tickets or information call 214-469-0822 or visit www.TexLegends.com.

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NBA G League Stories from November 22, 2013


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