Suns Drop Riveting Contest in Wisconsin
January 9, 2019 - NBA G League (G League)
Northern Arizona Suns News Release
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin - Multiple Northern Arizona Suns had great performances Wednesday night playing at the Wisconsin Herd, but a game-tying shot at the buzzer wouldn't drop, as NAZ lost 106-103.
The Suns (3-23) and Herd (4-19) played a thrilling game at Menominee Nation Arena in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with 16 ties and 16 lead changes. Neither team led by double figures the entire 48 minutes. It even came down to the final possession after the Suns forced a turnover down three points with 2.7 seconds left. Hollis Thompson got an open look from the deep corner, but he was unable to connect.
Thompson led the Suns with 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting, to go with eight rebounds and two steals. He tied his season-high in scoring, earning his fourth 20+ point game in his seventh contest with the Suns.
The Suns were cookin' from distance early, hitting five three-pointers in the opening frame to take a 29-27 lead. They added four more in the second while giving possessions away just once, taking a 65-60 lead into the locker room. Their 65 points tied a season-high of scoring for any half.
Both teams struggled offensively in the third quarter, but it was the Herd who came out on top 24-19, largely due to their 17-5 spurt in the opening second half minutes. The Herd outlasted the Suns in the fourth quarter, even though neither team made a three-pointer in the final frame.
Retin Obasohan made his mark in every category tonight, scoring a career-high 20 points to go with eight assists, four rebounds and four steals. Aaron Epps finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocks after recording 10 points and five boards in the first quarter. Peter Jok finished with 15 points and five rebounds, and Trayvon Palmer put up 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Herd had four players score 17+, led by Shevon Thompson and Travis Trice II at 21 points apiece. Thompson shot 10-fo-15 from the field, adding 11 rebounds for his first double-double of the year. Trice made of 7-of-13 from the field, including 4-of-8 from distance.
Wisconsin's Michael Qualls recorded 18 points (12-of-16 FT) and 16 rebounds, getting a career-high in boards and earning his third double-double on the year. Jaylen Morris had 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, five assists and four rebounds.
The Suns' longest losing streak in team history extends to 13 games, and their road losing streak is at seven games. The Herd snapped a six-game losing streak tonight.
The Suns are enjoying another road back-to-back, as they'll play at the Grand Rapids Drive tomorrow at 5 p.m. MT. The Herd next play at the Windy City Bulls on Friday at 6 p.m. MT.
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