Red Claws Crush Tulsa's Playoff Hopes with 100-99 Win
April 6, 2012 - NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release
PORTLAND, ME - Already out of playoff contention, the Maine Red Claws (20-29) nonetheless had the chance to play spoiler tonight against the Tulsa 66ers (23-26). Maine did just that, knocking Tulsa out of playoff contention with an100-99 win in front of a sellout crowd (3,045) at the Portland Expo.
Maine and Tulsa matched one another almost shot for shot in the first half, giving Maine a narrow 52-51 lead at halftime. Powering ahead in the third, the Red Claws outscored the 66ers 33-22 and lengthened their lead to as much as 15 in the fourth quarter. Tulsa did not give up though, and with a four point play by 66ers' Larry Owens in the last minute of play, they closed the gap to one point. Maine stayed strong and was able to hold off Tulsa to win 100-99.
Maine had five players score in the double digits with Kenny Hayes leading the way with 23 points and 6 assists. Morris Almond chipped in 18 points while Cedric Bozeman and Xavier Silas contributed 17 and 11 points respectively. Lawrence Hill, the Adidas Player of the Game, was just 2 rebounds short of a double-double with 14 points and 8 rebounds.
Tulsa had three players score double-doubles. Ryan Reid (20 points, 13 rebounds) led the 66ers in scoring while Larry Owens followed closely with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Marcus Lewis, 12 points and 12 rebounds, closes off the double-double list.
The Red Claws and 66ers will close out the 2011-12 regular season tomorrow night with the second game of a two-game set. Tip off is at 7 PM. The final regular season game of the year will be Fan Appreciation Night with reusable tote bags, courtesy of Quirk, given to the first 1,000 fans in celebration of Green Week, and team photos to all fans, courtesy of The Portland Press Herald. The Bucket Boys will perform at halftime and there will be a full team autograph session on the court following the game.
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