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Riverdragons Rally in Final Quarter to Edge Lowgators

December 3, 2002 - NBA G League (G League)
Columbus Riverdragons News Release


COLUMBUS, Ga., Dec. 3 – Nate Johnson put together his most complete game of the season posting a team-high 17 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals to push the Columbus Riverdragons past N. Charleston, 79-77, in NBDL action at the Columbus Civic Center Tuesday night. The victory snapped the Riverdragons three-game losing streak and returned the team to .500.

In the fourth quarter, Columbus (4-4) went on a 10-5 run to take its first lead of the second half, 75-74, on a running lay-up by Sean Peterson with 3:17 to play in regulation. Tang Hamilton's lay-up with 2:25 to play put the Riverdragons ahead by 2, 77-75, and ultimately gave Columbus the lead for good. The Riverdragons trailed 69-65 at the end of three quarters.

Nate Johnson's lay-up put Columbus ahead 79-76 with 1:46 to play. The Lowgators (4-5), who shot 18% from the floor in the fourth quarter hitting just 2-of-11 field goal attempts, were unable to retake the lead before time expired and suffered their fourth consecutive defeat.

The Riverdragons tough fourth quarter play comes just one game after being outscored 29-14 in the final period in a 94-81 loss in Huntsville Saturday. The Riverdragons out tallied the Lowgators 14-8 in tonight's final frame.

"It was all about the fourth quarter tonight," said Riverdragons "We made stops on those guys that we didn't make earlier. Our defense was the key. I think Nate stepped up down the stretch. So did Tang. We have struggled in the fourth quarter the last couple games – so tonight's play down the stretch was an very important step in the maturity of this team."

Johnson, who entered tonight games the NBDL's leading scorer, led five Riverdragons in double-figures including Tang Hamilton (16), Jeremy Veal (12), Derek Strong (10) and Jermaine Walker (10). Johnson and Veal also combined for 12 assists on the night.

The Lowgators were led by Corey Benjamin, who posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Tierre Brown also had 18 points. Thaddeus Delaney notched a team season-high 13 rebounds including four offensive boards.

The Riverdragons, who play four of their next five games on the road, visit Greenville Saturday afternoon at the BI-LO Center. The Lowgators head to Fayetteville to face the Patriots Thursday night.

The Riverdragons make their first of four national television appearances this season Wednesday, December 4 at 4 p.m. on ESPN2. The broadcast will be tape-delayed coverage of the Riverdragons loss to Huntsville Saturday.



NBA G League Stories from December 3, 2002


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