Russell Jr. Breaks D-League Assist Record in Mad Ants Win over Tulsa
April 6, 2009 - NBA G League (G League)
Indiana Mad Ants News Release
Fort Wayne, IN (April 5, 2009)- Fort Wayne Mad Ants' Walker Russell Jr. recorded 15 assists tonight and broke the D-League single season assist record to help defeat the Tulsa 66ers 105-86 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum tonight.
The 66ers jumped out to a quick 10-6 lead in the first quarter, but the Mad Ants quickly took the lead back with 5:37 remaining in the quarter and never looked back. Chris Hunter scored 10 points and 7 rebounds in the first period of play to put the Mad Ants up 22-16 after the first 12 minutes of play. Hunter would continue dominating the interior and finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds at the end of the half, as the Mad Ants led the 66ers 47-38 going into the locker rooms. The Mad Ants pushed the lead to 22 in the third quarter, and the 66ers never seriously challenged the Mad Ants the rest of the game.
There were many great stories for the Mad Ants this evening, but none better than the team's all star point guard, Walker Russell, Jr. Walker led the team with yet another double-double (13 points and 15 assists), and his 15 assists shattered the NBA D-League mark for assists in a single season.
"Walker has been a phenomenal floor general this season and has shown that he is truly worthy of a call up to play on the highest level there is -- the NBA," said Mad Ants President and General Manager Jeff Potter. "We could not be happier with how Walker has represented the Mad Ants both on and off the court, and I cannot think of a more deserving player to hold this record."
Walker's floor game was impressive, but just as impressive was Hunter's dominance in the middle. He led all scorers with 32 points and chipped in 15 points, Ron Howard continued his torrid scoring streak with 32 points, and Anthony Kent put forth his third straight double-double with 11 points and 22 rebounds and solidified himself as the most improved player on the team, if not the league.
For the 66ers, Ryan Humphrey fought valiantly and scored 23 points. Derrick Dial added 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Gary Ervin played a very nice floor game with 13 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds, and 0 turnovers.
The Mad Ants play their final home game of the 2008-2009 season this Friday at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum at 7:30 pm against the Erie Bayhawks. For tickets, be sure to call the Mad Ants office at 260-469-4667 or the Coliseum box office.
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