Wizards Sap Energy In OT
January 14, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
BISMARCK, ND, January 14, 2010 - The Dakota Wizards put their six-game home winning streak on the line Thursday night against the Iowa Energy, who came into the game with the best record in the D-League at 16-4. The Wizards pulled away in overtime to win their seventh in a row at the Bismarck Civic Center by a score of 139-129.
Dakota's Romel Beck and Iowa's Taylor Griffin, assigned to the Energy by the Phoenix Suns, traded baskets in the first period, each scoring 10 points in the frame. A tough Wizards defense held the Energy in check in the period, allowing them only 36% shooting. Dakota continued to stay hot at home, converting 14-of-24 shots in the first to jump out to a 31-24 lead.
The pace quickened in the second quarter and the two teams continued to match baskets. Iowa outscored Dakota 34-32 in the period despite the Wizards shooting 72.2% from the field. Iowa's Earl Barron found his rhythm in the second, scoring nine points. Dakota's Maurice Baker scored eleven points in the frame to lead the Wizards to a 63-58 halftime advantage.
Dakota extended its lead to 13 points in the third quarter, despite losing leading-scorer Romel Beck to an injury. Beck did manage to score 23 points before having to head to the locker room. David Bell stepped up in Beck's absence, knocking down a number of open jumpers.
With Beck injured, Dakota was forced to trot out three guards in the final period. Iowa took advantage, scoring on a number of easy baskets inside. Othyus Jeffers and Sean Barnette led the way as the Energy forced seven turnovers in the final period and chipped away at Dakota's big lead. A Jeffers jumper with 2.7 seconds left in the game tied the score at 120 and forced overtime.
Dakota began the extra period with an 8-0 run that was highlighted by a Marcus Dove dunk off of a missed David Bell layup. The Wizards also again stepped up their defensive intensity, holding the Energy to 2-of-9 shooting in overtime. Iowa managed to move to within 130-129 with 1:27 to play on Jeff Trepagnier's rare four-point play, but Dakota scored the final nine points of the game to pull away. Iowa's frustration began to visibly boil over, with guard Curtis Stinson receiving two technical fouls in the period.
Dakota's Maurice Baker led all scorers with 32 points and also grabbed nine rebounds. David Bell also had a solid game for the Wizards, scoring a season-high 29 points. Dakota's Marcus Dove recorded a double-double with 15 points and ten rebounds. Iowa was led by Earl Barron and Othyus Jeffers, who each scored 24 points. The Energy's Sean Barnette also added 23 points and Curtis Stinson dished out 14 assists.
These two teams will meet again tomorrow night at the Bismarck Civic Center. Tipoff is at 7:00pm.
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