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RimRockers Stumble in Close Loss

February 16, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
Arkansas RimRockers News Release


LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 16 - Roger Powell led all scorers with 32 points and collected 7 rebounds in a losing effort on Friday night as the Arkansas RimRockers were defeated by the Idaho Stampede, 112-105, at Alltel Arena.

The RimRockers were unable to pull off back-to-back home wins against the top seeded Stampede dropping a close game at home sending their record to 10-21. Idaho continues to increase their lead for the best record in the league, improving to 22-11.

Idaho used an 8-0 run with 4:52 left in the game to break a tie and after an Arkansas late surge; the Stampede converted enough free throws to hold on for the seven point victory. That spurt also coincided with Powell fouling out with 3:58 remaining.

"Not having Roger really hurt us, he's our go-to guy." said RimRockers Head Coach Andy Stoglin. "We really missed him and Brian."

Powell had the hot hand for the fifth consecutive game leading the RimRockers in scoring, behind 15 of 17 free throws. Clay Tucker almost recorded his second consecutive game with a double-double, falling just short with 19 points and 9 dimes. Olu Famutimi had a strong performance with 14 points and 8 boards, while off the bench, newly acquired JR Pinnock collected a team high 9 rebounds.

Idaho erased the previous night's game from their heads and started the game strong. Behind a trio of Ricky Sanchez three-pointers the Stampede used an impressive 18-2 run midway through the first quarter, ending the period with a 10 point advantage.

"It was hard, because we used so much energy." said RimRockers guard Brandon Dean. "But we still put ourselves in a position to win; we just didn't close out like we wanted to. It's a game of runs, and they had a run at the end of the game."

Arkansas would respond in the second with an 11-1 start to tie the game at 32 early in the second quarter. Powell and Tucker each scored 12 in the quarter and went to the break trailing 54-53. A back-and-forth third quarter ended with Idaho in front by 4 and expanded their lead in the fourth.

Ronell Taylor paced three Stampede players with 20-plus scoring efforts with 27, while also collecting 11 boards and handing out 6 assists. Seattle Supersonics assigned player, Mouhamed Sene also recorded a double-double with 23 points and a game high 14 rebounds. Starting center Peter Ramos went down in the second quarter with a knee injury and would not return.

Both teams will take a few days off as they cheer on their fellow teammates as a select few participate in the NBA D-League All-Star Game on Saturday in Las Vegas. Clay Tucker will represent the RimRockers. Arkansas will then begin a 6-game road trip starting in Los Angeles to face the D-Fenders. Idaho will head back home to face the Tulsa 66ers.

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