Warriors Come Out on Top in Battle of NBADL Top Teams
Published on January 25, 2013 under NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release
PORTLAND, ME - The Maine Red Claws (16-10) fell behind early and did not have enough gas to find their way back into the contest against the Santa Cruz Warriors (15-8) Friday night at the Portland Expo Building, falling to the NBA Development League's top-ranked defensive team, 120-101.
The Red Claws and Warriors traded baskets early in the first quarter, with Micah Downs shooting hot from beyond the arc to give Maine an early 8-6 lead, but it would be the Red Claws only lead of the night. The two teams remained close until the two minute mark of the quarter, with Maine closing the lead to 21-19, but the Warriors closed out the first quarter with a 9-2 run to take a 30-21 first quarter lead. In the second quarter, Santa Cruz was able to extend their lead with the strong play of Hilton Armstrong, who scored eight points as part of a 10-3 run to open the frame and open up a 40-24 lead. The teams would trade baskets, but the Warriors continued to get points off of offensive rebounds. The Red Claws would score nine quick points to cut the lead to 15, but Santa Cruz was able to extend their lead to 20 on a Taylor Griffin three-point shot just before the buzzer to take a 65-45 lead into the locker room.
The second half began much like the first half ended for Maine, with a small run of six points that Santa Cruz had an answer for. Downs chipped in seven points in the quarter to try to keep the game close, with Chris Wright and Andre Barrett also throwing in six points apiece, but the strong play of Mickell Gladness, Stefhon Hannah and Armstrong kept the Warriors a comfortable 20 points ahead as Santa Cruz took a 95-72 lead into the final 12 minutes. The Red Claws used a 7-2 run to begin the fourth quarter, keyed by Xavier Silas and Barrett to cut the lead back down to 20, but the Warriors were again able to battle back, taking a 27 point lead with just over five minutes to play. The Red Claws cleared their bench and got strong play from Hank Thorns and Chris Ayer, but it wasn't enough to overcome Santa Cruz's tight defense.
Leading the Warriors were Hannah (20 points, six assists), Griffin (18), Armstrong (17 points, eight rebounds), Edwin Ubiles (17 points, six rebounds) and Gladness (16 points, seven rebounds).
Maine was led by Downs, who shot 6 for 7 from beyond the arc to account for his 28 points and eight rebounds. The Red Claws also got double-doubles from DaJuan Summers (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Barrett (17 points, 11 assists). Also contributing were Wright (10 points, seven rebounds) and Silas (16 points, four assists).
The Red Claws are back in action on Sunday when they take on the Springfield Armor at 3 PM in the Expo Building. The Warriors travel to Springfield to take on the Armor at the Mass Mutual Center on Saturday at 7 PM.
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