Legends Heat up Late to Burn Northern Arizona
March 22, 2018 - NBA G League (G League)
Texas Legends News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ - After clinching the second playoff appearance in franchise history, the Texas Legends (28-20) won a down-to-the-wire battle against the Northern Arizona Suns (21-27) 139-137 Wednesday night in Prescott Valley.
Duke Mondy grabbed the first points of the night with a long ball to give Texas control early. The Legends held the lead until an 8-0 run by the Suns put them ahead at the midway mark. Mondy went 5-of-6 for 13 points to lead the Legends as the teams exchanged leads two more times before the buzzer, with Northern Arizona holding a one-point edge at the end of 12 minutes. The Suns took their largest lead of the night (+14) midway through the second, but Texas responded with a 19-4 run to finish the half within two points of the home team.
Jordan Downing heated up in the second half, coming off the bench for 13 points in the third to put Texas back in the driver's seat, 96-93. The fourth quarter turned into a shootout with Texas knocking down 74% (63% outside) and Northern Arizona sinking 63% (58% outside). The visitors' two-point lead turned into their largest of the night (+13) four minutes into the fourth, but the Suns quickly chipped away to a one-possession game just four minutes later. With 12 seconds on the clock, Alec Peters hit a long jumper to bring Northern Arizona within one point, but Mondy hit the free throw line, making 3-of-4 to seal the victory.
Six Legends players finished with double-digit scores led by Mondy with 29 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists while Cory Jefferson followed closely with 28 points, 5 rebounds. Brandon Ashley finished with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and Jordan Downing (18 points, 6 rebounds), Michael Qualls (15 points, 5 rebounds), and Keith Hornsby (13 points, 4 rebounds) rounded off the double-digits. JJ Avila dominated the boards with 10 rebounds, while adding 8 points, 4 assists.
Josh Gray grabbed the game's only double-double with 30 points, 10 assists, and Xavier Silas neared another with 23 points, 9 rebounds. Archie Goodwin and Peters added 18 points apiece.
Texas returns home to host the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (28-20) Friday at 7:30pm CT in a matchup that will help determine the seeding of the two teams in the G League Playoffs. For tickets or information visit www.TexLegends.com.
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