Wizards' Big Win Earns Series Split With Vipers
January 19, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
BISMARCK, ND, January 19, 2010 - After having to play from behind most of the game and mount an improbably comeback to force overtime in Sunday afternoon's loss to Rio Grande Valley, the Dakota Wizards knew a strong start was of the utmost importance in the rematch on Tuesday night. That message rang out loud and clear as Dakota forced ten Vipers turnovers and used a 12-4 run in the opening period to take an early 34-14 lead.
However, with Mike Harris, who scored 48 points for Rio Grande Valley on Sunday, on the opposing sideline, no lead is safe. Harris was a perfect 4-for-4 from the field for the Vipers in the second en route to thirteen points in the frame. It was also Rio Grande Valley's turn to ratchet up the defensive pressure, forcing ten Dakota turnovers of their own in the period. The Vipers outscored their opponents 36-15 in the quarter to take a 53-49 lead into halftime. Said Dakota head coach Rory White, "We got away from our game plan in the second quarter. We needed to get back into the locker room and regain our focus."
Whatever White had to say to his team at the break seemed to work, as they held their opponents to 34.5% shooting from the field in the second half. The Wizards also began to pound the ball inside to their big men, leading to a number of easy baskets which helped Dakota shoot 20-of-35 in the second half. Rio Grande Valley could manage only nine points in the fourth quarter, leading to an easy 107-84 Wizards win.
Dakota's Curtis Withers had a huge game, scoring 31 points to go along with thirteen rebounds. The Vipers had no answer for Withers, who was 13-of-20 from the field on the night. He was getting to the rim at will and scored many of his points on easy put-backs after grabbing an offensive rebound. Dakota's Maurice Baker also had another great game with 22 points and nine rebounds. Rio Grande Valley was led by Mike Harris' 22 points.
The Wizards will continue their homestand on Friday with a game against Los Angeles while Rio Grande Valley will travel to Erie for a pair.
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