Vipers Slither Past Toros
November 24, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers opened up their first ever season in the NBA Development League with a 104-97 victory over the Austin Toros Friday night at Dodge Arena. The Vipers who were without Rockets assignee Steve Novak outscored the Toros 32-25 in the third quarter and held the lead for the remainder of the game. The Vipers welcomed over 5,000 fans into the Dodge Arena for the first ever
Former University of Texas guard Gabe Muoneke led the way for the Vipers with 31 points including an impressive 14 of 18 showing from the foul line. Vipers first round pick CJ Watson added 28 points, nine rebounds and four assists despite missing a majority of the first quarter after picking up two quick fouls. Starting center and former NAIA Player of the Year Jarred Merrill added 15 for the Vipers as three Rio Grande players finished in double figures.
"We got great minutes from a lot of guys tonight," Vipers Head Coach Bob Hoffman said. " CJ and Gabe were huge for us tonight but we played everyone and they all helped contribute to what we're trying to do here. I am very pleased with our effort tonight.
The Toros received solid contribution from starting guard Keith Langford who finished with a team high 28 points and seven rebounds. Five Toros finished with double figures including 13 apiece from Kevin Pittsnoggle and another former Longhorn Kenton Paulino.
The Vipers will take on the Bakersfield Jam on Sunday afternoon at 5pm to complete their brief two-game home stand. The Toros will travel back home to Austin for a Saturday night tilt with the Jam.
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers are an expansion team in the NBA Development League (NBA D-League). The D-League is the official minor league of the National Basketball Association. Now in its seventh season, the D-league will have 14 teams that will play a 50 game schedule. The teams include Albuquerque Thunderbirds (NM), Anaheim Arsenal (CA), Austin Toros (TX), Bakersfield Jam (CA), Colorado 14ers (Broomfield), Dakota Wizards (Bismarck, ND), Fort Wayne Mad Ants (IN), Idaho Stampede (Boise), Iowa Energy (Des Moines), Los Angeles D-Fenders (CA), Sioux Falls Skyforce (SD) and Tulsa 66ers (OK) and Utah Flash (Orem). The Vipers NBA affiliates are the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers and the New Orleans Hornets.
• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...
NBA G League Stories from November 24, 2007
- 66ers' late comeback spoils Skyforce opener - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- Pruitt Lifts Flash to First win in Franchis History - Utah Flash
- Wizards Come Up Short Again At Home - Dakota Wizards
- Idaho Outshoots Colorado for First Win - Idaho Stampede
- Langford's steal puts away Jam in last seconds - Austin Spurs
- D-League Daily Developments - G League
- Thunderbirds Defeat Stampede 94 - 92 in Home Opener - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Mad Ants drop opener - Indiana Mad Ants
- Vipers Slither Past Toros - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- 14ers Top Arsenal with Big Second Half - Colorado 14ers
- Defending Champs Fall Short In Home Opener - Dakota Wizards
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
