Vipers Win by 44: Shatter Franchise Record For Margin of Victory
HIDALGO, TEXAS – The defending NBA Development Leaguechampion Rio Grande Valley Vipers extended their franchise-record winningstreak to eight in a row by recording their biggest margin of victory ever, andthe second largest in league history, 134-90 over the Maine Red Claws Wednesdayat State Farm Arena in front of a crowd of 4,870.
The previousNBA Development League record for margin of victory is 45 points when theAlbuquerque Thunderbirds beat the Anaheim Arsenal 114-69 on November 25, 2006.No team has won by 40 or more points in over two years. The Vipers’ (15-7)previous record was 33 points in a 109-76 victory over the Reno Bighorns onFebruary 6, 2009 at State Farm Arena.
The Vipersshot 55.3% (52-for-94) from the field, including 37.5% from behind the arcwhile the Red Claws (10-15), losers of four-straight, shot 37.1% (36-for-97)from the field, including 1-for-20 (5%) from behind the arc. The Vipers led byas many as 49 points in the fourth quarter.
TheVipers opened the game on a 10-1 run, capped by a three-pointer from Richard Roby. After Tiny Gallon hit a basket for the RedClaws, the Vipers went on a 10-2 run to take a 20-5 lead five minutes into thegame.
TheVipers opened the second quarter on an 8-2 run to build a 40-22 lead. The RedClaws responded with a 6-0 run to climb back within 12 at 40-28 with 8:12remaining. Mouhammad Faye scoredeight points as part of a 12-2 run that gave the Vipers a 52-30 lead with 4:24remaining.
TheVipers received contributions from all 10 players who saw action, with seven ofthem reaching double-figures in Roby (25), Faye (career-high tying 18), Jerel McNeal (17), Jeff Adrien (16), Houston Rockets-assignee Ish Smith (16), fourth-year Viper Stanley Asumnu (11) and PatrickSullivan (10).
Adrienalso added 10 rebounds for his ninth double-double in 13 games.
The RedClaws were led in scoring by Mario West,who scored 17 points. Champ Oguchiposted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Vipersreturn to action on Friday at 7:00 p.m. when they face the Dakota Wizards atthe Bismarck Civic Center in Bismarck, North Dakota.
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