G League Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Reno Bighorns Snakebitten in the Valley

March 15, 2016 - NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release


The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (23-20) took a 142-121 victory over the Western Conference's top-seeded Reno Bighorns (26-16) tonight at State Farm Arena.

Jaron Johnson and Will Cummings each scored 28 points to lead the Vipers. Jordan Hamilton scored his third consecutive double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Denzel Livingston followed with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Raphiael Putney scored 19 points, and Jarvis Threatt added 10 points.

The Vipers' 142 total points and 21 three-point field goals made are season highs. RGV also recorded a season-high 32 assists and tied the team's season-high in rebounds with 61.

Ricky Ledo led the Bighorns with 28 points. Akeem Richmond added 15 points. Gani Lawal scored 14 points. David Stockton recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists. Kadeem Jack also scored a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Reggie Hearn and Luke Martinez each contributed 11 points.

Ledo started the game with a three-pointer for the Bighorns. Johnson responded with a shot from behind the arc for RGV to tie the game at 3 points. The lead changed seven times throughout the first quarter as each team fought for control. Johnson scored 12 of his total 28 points in the first quarter to help the Vipers hold a 32-29 lead at the end of the period.

Hamilton made a layup with 9:42 on the clock in the first half to give RGV its largest lead of the first half 43-34. However, Reno made their way back into the game and knotted the score at 52 points midway through the quarter. The Bighorns tied the score twice during the second quarter, but never stole the lead. At halftime, RGV was on top 61-60.

RGV outscored Reno 47-20 in the third quarter to take control of the second half. RGV's 47 third quarter points are a season high and ties the team's second most points in a quarter (47 second quarter points at Texas on 12/1.2013). The Vipers highest-scoring quarter in franchise history occurred on March 4, 2015 at Reno when RGV scored 48 points in the third quarter.

The Bighorns fought back during the fourth quarter. Lawal scored all of his 14 total points to lead Reno to outscore RGV 41-35 in the final minutes. However, it was not enough to close its deficit. RGV won 142-121.

The Vipers travel to Austin Thursday, March 17 for a 7:30 p.m. (CST) game at the Spurs. RGV is back at home Wednesday, March 23 when the Vipers host the Maine Red Claws a 7 p.m. (CST) at State farm Arena. For more information about the Vipers or purchase tickets, call the Vipers at 956-972-1144 or visit RGVipers.com.

Check out the Rio Grande Valley Vipers Statistics



NBA G League Stories from March 15, 2016


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