G League Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Vipers Fall in Nail-Biter against South Bay

January 22, 2018 - NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release


Hidalgo, Texas. - The NBA G League Rio Grande Valley Vipers, affiliate of the Houston Rockets, fell at home in a nail-biter against South Bay Lakers by a score of 114-117.

RJ Hunter, who recently signed a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets, led the Vipers in scoring with 22 points. Isaiah Hartenstein collected a double-double with 14 rebounds and 20 points. South Bay's Thomas Bryant led the game in points with 23. Scott Machado had a double-double with 11 assists and 14 points.

Both teams kept it close in the first half. The RGV Vipers were able to obtain a minimal lead after the first quarter, outscoring the Lakers 27-25. South Bay Lakers then outscored the Vipers by two points in the second quarter to send both teams even with 50 points at the half. Two Viper players reached double digit scoring in the first half, Tony Wroten and Isaiah Hartenstein.

The RGV Vipers started to get the slight edge in the third quarter. Markel Brown scored 13 points in the third quarter as the Vipers obtained a 81-77 lead heading into the final quarter of the game.

Early in the fourth quarter, South Bay Lakers stole the lead with a Stephaun Branch three pointer. As the game progressed, South Bay started distancing themselves. At one point the Lakers held a 12-point lead.

With less than a minute to go, Troy Williams scored a three-pointer to cut the deficit to three points. Scott Machado responded with a three-pointer as well. After trading shots, Troy Williams' dunk made it 111-114 with 11.3 seconds to go.

In the following play, South Bay's Branch was sent to the line and scored both foul shots. RJ Hunter scored a three-pointer to cut the deficit to three points once again. Lakers' Scott Machado was fouled with 2.8 seconds left. Machado scored the second foul shot after missing the first. Tony Wroten's three-point shot missed as time expired.

About the RGV Vipers and NBA G League: The two-time champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers are the NBA G League affiliate of the NBA Houston Rockets. The Vipers won the NBA G League Championship in 2010 and 2013. In 2013, the Vipers were also named the NBA G League Development Champions, which recognizes the team that best embodies the NBA G League's goals of developing NBA-caliber basketball talent via call-ups and assignments. The NBA G League is the NBA's official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league's research and development laboratory. Featuring 18 teams with direct affiliations to NBA franchises, the league offers professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. In fostering the league's connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA G League Cares programs.

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