Wizards top Energy, 125-112
January 15, 2008 - NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 14, 2008 - Maurice Baker poured in 41 points to lead the Dakota Wizards to a 125-112 win over the Iowa Energy in the third game of the NBA Development League Showcase Monday at Qwest Arena.
Baker converted 12-of-17 from the floor and 17-of-17 from the free throw line, in addition to dishing out six assists and recording six steals as the Wizards improved to 13-7. Iowa dropped to 9-13 with its seventh consecutive loss.
"This is the third game in a row against Iowa. It's really tough to beat a team three times in a row and I was really proud of out effort level," Dakota coach Duane Ticknor said after playing the Energy for the third time in three days in three different cities. "We played extremely hard on both ends of the floor. We built a little bit of a lead and every time they made a run at it, we had an answer."
Both teams shot over 50-percent from the floor, with Iowa making 45-of-81 (.556) and Dakota 42-of-78 (.538). The difference in the game came at the free throw line where the Wizards make 40-of-42 (.952) and the Energy converted just 14-of-29 (.483).
Rod Benson and Carlos Powell contributed 24 points each for Dakota, followed by Kevin Lyde and Blake Ahearn with 12 apiece. Benson collected nine rebounds for the Wizards.
JamesOn Curry, on assignment from the Chicago Bulls, led Iowa with 34 points, making 15-of-21 from the field and dishing out seven assists. Dwayne Mitchell came off the Iowa bench to score 23, followed by Anthony Tilliver with 19, Jeff Horner with 11 and Jackie Manuel with 10. Tolliver and Mitchell collected nine and eight rebounds, respectively.
"Playing a game is completely different, so I'm working on getting my timing back and getting in a game situation," Curry said. "I ran and tried to stay in the best shape that I could, so today I finally felt that I could keep my air and go hard and push."
Both teams have Tuesday off before resuming play in the Showcase. Iowa meets the Utah Flash and Dakota plays the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...
NBA G League Stories from January 15, 2008
- Vipers Fall to Stampede - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Jam Hammer Arsenal To Stop Losing Streak - Bakersfield Jam
- 14ers Beat Thunderbirds To Stop Five-Game Slide - Colorado 14ers
- D-Fenders Rally Past Mad Ants - Los Angeles D-Fenders
- Wizards top Energy, 125-112 - Dakota Wizards
- D-League Daily Developments - G League
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
