Vipers Earn Series Split With Bighorns

RENO, NEVADA –The defending NBA Development League champion Rio Grande Valley Viperssplit the weekend series with the Reno Bighorns after a 126-122 victory onSaturday at the Reno Events Center.

After theVipers (5-4) took a 9-8 lead when AntonioAnderson hit a free throw, the Bighorns (7-2) went on a 7-0 over the powerof a lay-up and a three-pointer by D.J.Strawberry to take a 15-9 lead at the 8:10 mark.

The Bighornsled 18-12 with 5:34 remaining in the first quarter, but while the Vipers hit14-of-19 shots, the Bighorns hit 6-of-18 as the Vipers outscored the Bighorns40-22 until the 6:56 mark of the second quarter to take a 52-40 lead.

The Bighornsgot within 114-111 late in the fourth quarter, but Jerel McNeal hit 7-of-8 free throws down the stretch to seal thevictory.

McNealfinished with a game-high, career-high and Vipers season-high 40 points withfive rebounds, two assists and four steals. McNeal hit 9-of-15 shots, including5-of-7 from behind the arc. He also 17-of-18 free throw attempts.

HoustonRockets-assignee Patrick Pattersonrecorded his fourth-straight double-double and fifth overall with 23 points, 14rebounds and three blocked shots. MustafaShakur scored 20 points with seven rebounds, eight assists and threesteals.

Patrick Ewing Jr. led the Bighorns with 24 points, eightrebounds and five blocks, Aaron Mileshad 23 points and 10 assists while Sacramento Kings-assignee Hassan Whiteside finished with 12points, seven rebounds and eight blocks.

The Vipers returnto action on Friday at 7:00 p.m. against the Bakersfield Jam on Hawaiian Nightat State Farm Arena. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive beach towels,courtesy of Lone Star National Bank. The Greeters of Honolulu will perform athalftime. Pepper’s at Uptown is hosting a free pre-game tailgate party in theparking lot. Fans are encouraged to bring new toys to donate to the SalvationArmy toy drive.