Vipers win to clinch home court advantage in first round of playoffs
March 26, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release
HIDALGO, TEXAS - After hitting just 1-of-14 shots from behind the arc in the first half, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers assured themselves of at least a three-seed in the NBA Development League playoffs and home court advantage in the first round. The Vipers hit 10-of-13 three-point shots in the second half to secure a 110-95 victory over the Los Angeles D-Fenders (16-30) tonight at State Farm Arena in front of a crowd of 5,377.
Down 21-14 after 9:12, the D-Fenders scored the final eight points of the first quarter to take their first lead at 22-21. The D-Fenders out-shot the Vipers 52.6%-to-33.3%, but the Vipers had five more possessions by having seven offensive rebounds compared to two by the D-Fenders.
Julian Sensley made a lay-up early in the second quarter to give the Vipers the lead back at 28-26. Stanley Asumnu followed with a pair of baskets as the Vipers built a 32-28 lead. Horace Wormley capped a 5-0 run with a driving lay-up as the D-Fenders regained the lead at 33-32. The Vipers hit four of their next eight shots to go on an 8-2 run and were able to take a 40-35 point lead with 2:52 remaining in the second quarter.
The Vipers hit 4-of-5 three-point shots in the third quarter while Mickell Gladness scored eight of the Vipers' 32 points to build a 78-68 lead.
Overall, Jonathan Wallace hit 4-of-9 three-pointers while finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Ernest Scott hit 5-of-11 three-pointers while finishing with a game-high 23 points. Will Conroy finished three rebounds shy of a triple-double while scoring 10 points and dishing out 10 assists.
The D-Fenders were led by James Peters, who scored 22 points to go with seven rebounds. Frank Robinson finished with 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...
NBA G League Stories from March 26, 2010
- Farmer carries Bighorns to victory - Reno Bighorns
- Vipers win to clinch home court advantage in first round of playoffs - Los Angeles D-Fenders
- Skyforce breaks through Armor to win seventh straight home game - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- Flash convert in the end to pick up win over Idaho - Utah Flash
- Magic Number Stands at 2 for Energy to Clinch #1 Overall Seed in Playoffs - Iowa Wolves
- Erie Downs Fort Wayne, 95-82 - G League
- Vipers Win To Clinch Home Court Advantage In First Round of Playoffs - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Thunderbirds Drop Road Game to Tulsa - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Hasbrouck Signs Second 10-Day Contract With Heat - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Bighorns Begin Final Playoff Push This Weekend - Reno Bighorns
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
- Jam Shoot Past 66ers 120-109 - Tulsa 66ers
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.
Other Recent Los Angeles D-Fenders Stories
- MVP Vander Blue Leads 2016-17 All-NBA Development League First Team
- Vander Blue Named NBA Development League MVP
- D-Fenders Comeback Falls Short in Year-Ending Loss to Vipers
- Los Angeles Lakers Recall Nwaba from D-Fenders
- D-Fenders Dodge Vipers Comeback, Stay Alive in Title Hunt
