Stars Lose Down the Stretch to Vipers
Published on March 20, 2018 under NBA G League (G League)
Salt Lake City Stars News Release
HIDALGO, Texas - The Salt Lake City Stars were edged out by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 132-131, Monday night at the State Farm Arena, even with a record night from Naz Mitrou-Long,
Mitrou-Long set two Stars franchise records in the loss: scoring 37 points on 11-of-20 from the field, while also burying nine three-pointers. Diamond Stone (25 points), Taylor Braun (21 points), Isaiah Cousins (17 points) and Akeem Springs (10 points) all scored in double-figures on the night.
The game was a back-and-forth contest that saw 13 lead changes and 11 ties. Salt Lake City found themselves down by 10 at the break, despite the Stars hitting 12-of-16 (.667) from behind the arc.
The Stars shot .619 to Rio Grande's .455 in the third quarter, tying the game at 102 to close out the frame. Salt Lake City took a seven point lead midway through the fourth quarter before the Vipers went on a 13-5 run to regain the lead. Rio Grande built their own seven-point lead with 2:32 left to play in regulation, but the Stars chipped away at that lead. Springs had the chance to tie the game on a last second three-point attempt, but his foot was on the line and it was ruled a two.
RJ Hunter led the Vipers with 36 points, while Chinanu Onuaku, Julien Lewis and Chris Walker all finished with 15 points.
The Stars look to even out their series with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on March 21 for their final road game of the season. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. and can be seen on Eleven Sports.
NBA G League Stories from March 20, 2018
- Windy City Struggles Down the Strecth, Falls 104-93 to Grand Rapids - Windy City Bulls
- Magic Win Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive - Osceola Magic
- South Bay Drops First Game of Road Trip in Greensboro - South Bay Lakers
- Bighorns Host Whiteout Night - Reno Bighorns
- Alan Williams Assigned to NAZ Suns - Northern Arizona Suns
- Wolves Host Skyforce in 2017-18 Home Finale - Iowa Wolves
- RJ Hunter Leads Vipers Past Stars - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Stars Lose Down the Stretch to Vipers - Salt Lake City Stars
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
