Vipers Clean up Glass in Win at Iowa

DES MOINES, IOWA – The defending NBA Development Leaguechampion Rio Grande Valley Vipers out-rebounded the Iowa Energy 53-26 in a 121-112victory on Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena.

Jeff Adrien led the Vipers in rebounding with 15 togo with 24 points for his 13th double-double in 17 games.

After theEnergy (20-8) scored the first four points of the game, the Vipers (18-8) wenton a 10-0 run en route to taking a 34-15 first quarter lead.

TheVipers took their largest lead of the night at 41-19 after Patrick Sullivan connected on a finger roll with 10:15 remaining inthe second quarter. The Energy responded with a 23-1 run over the next fiveminutes, capped by a Chris Lotonlay-up to tie the game at 42-42. RichardRoby and Mouhammad Fayeresponded with back-to-back three-pointers to give the Vipers the lead back.

Robyfinished with a career-high 32 points to go with eight rebounds.

TheEnergy opened the third quarter on a 17-8 run to take the lead back, 71-70, ona slam-dunk by Othyus Jeffers.

TheVipers took the lead back for good with 5:37 remaining in the fourth quarterwhen Terrel Harris hit a lay-up tomake it 99-98.

Harrisrecorded his first double-double with 11 points and a career-high 12 assists. Connor Atchley also had a strong game,finishing with a season-highs in points (12) and rebounds (8) as well ascareer-highs in assists (three) and blocks (four).

Chris Lofton led the Energy in scoring by hittingseven three-pointers en route to a team-high 29 points.

The seriesshifts to Hidalgo as the Vipers and Energy play game three of this four-gameseries on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at State Farm Arena. Fans can take advantage ofconcessions specials including hot dogs, popcorn and soda for $1.00 each aswell as beer for $1.50. Every donation of four non-perishable food items at thedoor to benefit the Salvation Army food drive will be rewarded with one freeticket. Doors open at 6:00.