G League Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Vipers Slow Down D-Fenders 102-96

Published on December 26, 2008 under NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release


HIDALGO Texas-

A huge second quarter and stellar play from guard Alpha Bangura and forward Alton Ford would be all the Vipers need as they slithered past the Los Angeles D-Fenders 102-96 Friday night at Dodge Arena. The Vipers outscored the D-Fenders 30-12 in the second quarter in route to their second straight home win. The D-fenders loss is their fifth in the last six games.

The pace of the game early was frantic. Los Angles shot 60% in the first quarter and made 12 field goals in route to a 32-27 lead at the end of one. The Vipers started the second quarter at an equally frantic pace. The Vipers went on a 16-9 run, capped off by a Trent Strickland three-pointer to take their first lead of the game; a lead they would not relinquish.

Los Angeles would win each of the final two quarters but never could cut the lead closer than five. The Vipers led by as many as 17 points in the game. The D-Fenders had five players in double figures and were lead by guard Brandon Heath's 27 points. Dwayne Mitchell chipped in with 17 points and seven assists. Cheyne Gadsen scored nine of his 14 points in the second half to help lead L.A.'s second half charge. CJ Giles hauled in 10 rebounds while scoring 11 points for his first double-double as a D-Fender.

Bangura had a season high 30 points to lead the Viper scoring attack. Alton Ford was dominant on the boards as he hauled in a Viper season high 19 rebounds while scoring 18 points for his second double-double of the season. Houston Rockets assignee Joey Dorsey scored 11 points and brought in eight rebounds in his Viper debut.

The Vipers will travel to Bismarck, ND on Sunday as they face the Dakota Wizards for the final time this season at the Bismarck Civic Center. Tip-off for the game is set for 6:00 pm CST.

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NBA G League Stories from December 26, 2008


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