G League Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Vipers Home Win-Streak Snapped

Published on January 13, 2010 under NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release


HIDALGO, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley Vipers' six-game winning streak at Dodge Arena came to an end tonight following a 109-100 loss to the Albuquerque Thunderbirds tonight in front of a crowd of 4,080.

The Thunderbirds (9-9) are now winners of six-straight while the Vipers (13-5) have a three-game winning streak snapped.

The Thunderbirds took advantage of poor shooting by the Vipers during the first quarter as the Vipers missed all ten of their three-point shots and shot 27.6% (8-for-29) from the field. The Thunderbirds hit 10 of their 20 shots, but committed six turnovers; compared to one by the Vipers, while taking a 21-18 lead. Former-Viper Kurt Looby recorded eight of his game-high 15 rebounds during the first quarter in his return to Dodge Arena.

Mike Harris ended the Vipers three-point shooting draught by connecting with 9:10 to go in the second quarter to bring the Vipers with-in 27-23. The Thunderbirds, however, responded with a 10-0 run over the next 1:38 to take a 37-23 lead. Julian Sensley ended the run with a lay-up at the 7:17 mark.

Harris finished with a game-high 27 points and a team-high 11 rebounds while Sensley had six points and nine rebounds.

Down 43-34 late in the quarter, Antonio Anderson stuffed back-to-back slam dunks to make it 43-38 with 3:12 to go, but the Thunderbirds went on a 6-2 run to close the half up 49-40.

Anderson finished with 20 points.

After Harris scored five-straight points to bring the Vipers within 63-54 at the 6:15 mark of the third quarter, the Thunderbirds went on a 7-0 run over the next 1:32 to take a 69-54 lead. After the Vipers hit a pair of baskets and the Thunderbirds hit one more, Carlos Powell was fouled in the act of shooting a three-pointer and hit all three free throws. He also hit a free throw following a technical foul to Vipers head coach Chris Finch to give the Thunderbirds a 75-58 lead with 3:32 left in the quarter.

Powell finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Down 92-66 with 9:25 remaining, the Vipers went on a 21-3 run over the next four minutes to get within 95-87. The Vipers got back within eight points after a Mickell Gladness lay-up with 2:30 left at 102-94, but that was as close as they got.

Gladness finished with four points and four rebounds.

The Vipers and Thunderbirds play again tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. at Dodge Arena on Military Appreciation Night when Veterans will be honored at halftime with Master of Ceremonies Colonel Ray of News Talk 710 KURV. Fans will receive American Flags, courtesy of D&F Industries. Fans will also receive t-shirts courtesy of D&F Industriues, Warehouse Pool Supply, Matt's Cash and Carry and News Talk 710 KURV. Every donation of four non-perishable items to benefit the Food Bank RGV will be rewarded with one free ticket, courtesy of Hoops Against Hunger partners Action 4 News, KTEX 100.3, Wild 104, The X 105.5 and Hot Kiss 106.3. It's also $1 Menu Night, meaning $1 hot dogs, popcorn and soda all night long. Doors open at 6:30.

Check out the Rio Grande Valley Vipers Statistics



NBA G League Stories from January 13, 2010


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