Wizards Hold Off Jam
Published on March 2, 2008 under NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
BISMARCK, N.D. March 2, 2008: The Dakota Wizards withstood a fourth quarter rally to defeat the Bakersfield Jam 113 - 110 Sunday evening at the Bismarck Civic Center.
Dakota, now 21-16 dominated through the first three quarters to take a 92-69 lead going into the fourth. The Wizards then lengthened their lead to 24 in the first minute of the fourth quarter, before Bakersfield rattled off a 15-2 run to bring the Jam to within 11 points at 8:12.
The Wizards built the lead back to 15 only to see Bakersfield go on yet another double figure run capped off by guard Trey Johnson's three pointer to get Bakersfield within one point (109-108) with 26.7 seconds to go in the match up. Wizards guard Blake Ahearn calmly sank four free throws to ice the victory for Dakota. Ahearn finished the game with a game high 35 points.
"We started with great energy tonight", said Wizards head coach Duane Ticknor following the win. "It was very reminiscent of the last time we played this team on their court, except we were able to hold them off".
Dakota forward Rod Benson showed why he was the best rebounder in the league pulling down 22 boards to go with his 24 points to give him his 17th double double of the season. Guard Tony Gipson played well in his second start of the season nailing 13 points while grabbing six rebounds.
Bakersfield, now 6-31 (1-22 on the road) were lead in scoring by newly reacquired guard Mateen Cleaves who finished the night with 26 points and five assists be fore fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Also newly acquired forward Justin Reed hit 25 points and grabbed nine boards in his second start with the jam. Trey Johnson also finished with 25 points off the bench in the battle.
The Wizards have the week off until Sunday when they face divisional foe Fort Wayne Mad Ants tip-off scheduled for 3:00 pm CT. Bakersfield head back to California to take on the Arsenal from Anaheim on Friday March 7th. Tip off for that game is schedule for 7pm ET.
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