Patriots soar past Altitude, 94-86
January 15, 2005 - NBA G League (G League)
Fayetteville Patriots News Release
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Omar Cook had the games only double-double to help lead the Patriots to a 94-86 victory over the Asheville Altitude at the Crown Coliseum Friday night. He finished the game with 16 points and 12 assists. This home victory gave the Patriots their fourth win of the season bringing their record to 4-16. Asheville, who is now 10-8, was led by Antonio Meeking with 17 points.
The Altitude flew past the Patriots in the first quarter, leading 30-18 at the beginning of the second. After the first quarter, the Patriots began playing defense, which is something Cook says they have struggled with throughout the year. This defense contributed to the Patriots gaining the lead at the half, 43-41.
The battle continued throughout the third and fourth quarter with the score being tied five different times, including at 51-51 with 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter. The Patriots were able to gain the lead at this point and kept it through the remaining minutes of the game.
They showed character in not getting down and hanging their heads. That shows growth for a team, Coach Brown said.
Fayetteville had six players in double figures with Mike King contributing 15 points off the bench. Ernest Brown was one rebound shy of having another double-double. He had nine rebounds to go along with 13 points. Tang Hamilton and Jon Smith both had 14. Asheville stayed strong throughout the game with four players in double figures with Brandin Knight and Lenny Stokes sharing 13 points a piece.
Free throws proved to be an important factor in the victory for Fayetteville. The Patriots shot 70.6 percent from the free throw line, while the Altitude only shot 54.8 percent.
Coach Brown kept his team motivated until the end of the game.
You have to continue to jab at them. We had poise and didnt panic even after a turnover or two and when they began making threes. We stepped up to the free throw line and made our free throws, Coach Brown said.
The Patriots (4-16) will travel to the Martin Luther King Showcase in Columbus on Sunday where they will take on the Florida Flame (3-13) at the Columbus Civic Center. Game time is 11 a.m.. The Altitude will head to Columbus where they will face the Riverdragons. For more information, log onto nbdl.com.
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