Thomas crashes Altitude
April 1, 2005 - NBA G League (G League)
Roanoke Dazzle News Release
ROANOKE, Va. â The Roanoke Dazzle ended their four-game losing skid in a big way Friday night as they defeated the Asheville Altitude 94-87 at the Roanoke Civic Center in NBDL action. The win, which was just Roanoke's third in 12 tries, helps the Dazzle (26-19) get closer to a home playoff berth in two weeks.
"The one thing we need to do is go out and play," said Dazzle Head Coach Kent Davison. "Now we're fighting for a home court game."
James Thomas dominated down low, posting his second 20/20 game in less than two weeks as he scored 21 points and brought down 23 rebounds. With Asheville (24-20) leading 51-43 at the half, things looked dreary for the struggling Dazzle. Thomas then decided to take things into his own hands when he made a lay-up at 11:23 in the third quarter. This was the first two of his 11 points in the period. He also managed to grasp 7 missed shots to help Roanoke tie the game going into the fourth.
Roanoke sealed the deal in the fourth as they outscored the Altitude 26-19 despite former North Carolina standout Joe Forte dropping 10 points in the final quarter. The difference might have been second chance points as the Dazzle finished with a 20-11 advantage thanks to the strong play from the NBDL's 2004-05 Rookie of the Year Thomas and Center Kevin Owens. Owens had another double-double as he put up 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
"You don't win very many games when you get out rebounded 55 to 43," said Asheville Head Coach Joey Meyer. "James Thomas was a big factor."
With Thomas leading all scorers tonight, the Dazzle also received strong offensive performances from Sherman Gay as he had 17 points, while Sung-Yoon Bang contributed 14. Owens added 13 and Garry Hill-Thomas came off the bench to score 10.
Despite the loss, the Altitude played well tonight as they saw five players in double digit scoring. Forte battled with 19 points while former Dazzle Terrence Shannon fought hard with 14. Tony Dobbins and Ron Slay both put up 12 as Tony Kitchings helped with 11.
Roanoke rematches with the Altitude tomorrow as they travel to Asheville, game time 7:00. For more information log on to www.nbdl.com or visit www.roanokedazzle.com.
NBA G League Stories from April 1, 2005
- Flight tops RiverDragons 105-99 - Huntsville Flight
- Smush Parker's Double-Double Leads Florida to 94-92 Win Over Fayetteville - Florida Flame
- Thomas crashes Altitude - Roanoke Dazzle
- NBDL daily developments - G League
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