Wizards Snap Losing Skid
Published on March 31, 2009 under NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
Bismarck, N.D. March 30, 2009: Wizards guard David Bell got the nod from head coach Duane Ticknor early in the first quarter of tonight's game against the Austin Toros and made every minute count. Bell, who averages just 10.9 points a game, doubled that mark tonight scoring a team high 22 points off the bench to defeat the Toros 110-102 tonight at the Bismarck Civic Center.
With over 16 inches of snow that fell throughout the day in Bismarck over 1,200 fans slid into the arena to watch two great teams battle for a spot in the NBA D-League playoffs. Dakota started slow with a back and forth battle early in the first but a Jesse Smith lay up for the Wizards at the 3:40 mark gave Dakota a one point lead, one that lasted the rest of the game and at one point grew to 19 points in the fourth.
Austin made a 17 to 7 run late in the third quarter to get within two points; however Dakota proved to strong in the fourth quarter shooting over 62% from the field.
"I am real happy about how our guys responded tonight after last night's game," said Wizards head coach Duane Ticknor. "David Bell played exceptional tonight, and it's nice to see Jesse Smith playing well."
The Wizards, now 24-21 on the season, had five others finish in double figures with forward Romel Beck hitting 17 points off the bench, while forward Renaldo Major and guard Blake Ahearn both scored 15 on the night. Center Jesse Smith and forward Richard Hendrix both nailed 14 points with Smith also grabbing 9 boards in the victory.
Austin, who have dropped eight of their last ten games are now 27-17 on the season and were lead in scoring by forward Marcus Williams who had 29 points. DeMarcus Nelson dropped in 20 points off the bench, while Spurs assigned guard Malik Hairston finished with a double double 17 points and 10 rebounds. Center Dwayne Jones also had a double double 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Notes: Wizards center Will Frisby was not with the team for the second straight game as his wife is set to give birth to their third child.......Wizards guard Blake Ahearn played six games with Austin this season while on assignment from the San Antonio Spurs.......Wizards head coach Duane Ticknor won his 250th career game with tonight's victory.......Austin is set to head home to play Tulsa, while Dakota stays home for a match up with the Idaho Stampede on Wednesday.......Austin holds a 3-1 advantage over the Wizards since being purchased by the Spurs.
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