Back Court Plays Keys Vipers Victory

HIDALGO, TEXAS –Jerel McNeal and Mustafa Shakurcombined for 48 points, 14 rebounds and 15 assists as the defending NBADevelopment League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers beat the Sioux FallsSkyforce 110-100 Friday at State Farm Arena.

McNeal scoreda game-high 27 points to go with nine rebounds while Shakur had 21 points and aseason-high 13 assists.

TheVipers (8-7) and Skyforce (2-11) engaged in a back-and-forth affair for most ofthe first quarter, with Keaton Granttying the game at 21-21 with 43.2 seconds left. Jerel McNeal responded with a layup to give the Vipers a 23-21 leadthey did not relinquish. That started a 12-4 run that was capped by a freethrow from Jeff Adrien as the Viperstook a 33-25 lead with 8:32 remaining in the second quarter.

Adrienscored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting with six rebounds (three offensive), onesteal and two blocks.

TheSkyforce tried to come back in the fourth quarter, climbing to within 97-92after an Anthony Harris lay-up, butfourth-year Viper Stanley Asumnu hita teardrop shot and Patrick Sullivanslammed the ball through the basket to put the game out of reach.

Sullivanrecorded his first-career double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds (sevenoffensive).

TheSkyforce were led in scoring by Grant, who scored 19 points with eight reboundsand four steals, and Sean Marshallwho also scored 19 points.

TheSkyforce are now losers of six-straight.

The Vipers andSkyforce play again on New Year’s Day at 7:00 p.m. at State Farm Arena. Fanscan take advantage of the State Farm Family 4 Pack, which consists of fourtickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for $44. Doors open at 6:00.