Vipers Second Half Burst Earns 99-95 Win over Agua Caliente
February 11, 2021 - NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (1-1) second half burst led to tonight's 99-95 win against Agua Caliente Clippers (0-1) at the AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla.
Houston Rockets assignee Kevin Porter Jr. led the game with 21 points, adding four rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a lone block. Three Vipers players recorded double-doubles tonight; Ray Spalding (16 PTS, 14 REB), Rockets two-way player Brodric Thomas (18 PTS, 10 REB) and Rockets assignee KJ Martin Jr. (14 PTS, 12 REB).
Both Thomas and Martin Jr. hit career-highs in points and rebounds, while Martin Jr. also had a career-high of five blocks. Spalding earned a second consecutive double-double for the 2021 campaign.
Armoni Brooks came off the bench to contribute 11 points, six rebounds. Josh Huestis also totaled seven points, six rebounds from off the bench.
Agua Caliente had an early lead in the first period of the contest, but the Vipers hustle tied up the game going into the second, 27-27. Martin Jr. had two back-to-back blocks in the first frame of the matchup.
Porter Jr. (10 pts.) and Thomas (14 pts.) hit double-digits by the second quarter. Thomas added six rebounds while shooting 6-11 from the field going into the half, 49-58. Martin Jr. blocked another shot from the Clippers with less than two minutes left on the clock, which led to a fast break layup by Thomas.
The Vipers came out from the half and outscored Agua Caliente in the third frame 27-14, giving a 76-72 lead. Porter Jr. missed a three-point shot but Thomas grabbed the rebound and hit a dunk to give the Vipers a 62-65 score.
The fourth quarter was kept close throughout as both ends wanted the dub tonight, but RGV came out on top keeping the lead to earn the first win of the season.
Tyrone Wallace led the Clippers with 18 points, adding six rebounds and two steals. Emanuel Terry earned a double-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds. Donte Grantham fell short on his double-double tonight as he totaled nine points, 10 rebounds.
RGV resumes play on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 3:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. CT as they face the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Fans are able to watch locally at KRGV Somos el Valle Channel 5.3 and nationally via ESPN+. For more information, please visit www.rgvipers.com.
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