McNeal's Big Second Half Paces Vipers Victory

HIDALGO, TEXAS – After missing his only shot attempt ofthe first half, Jerel McNeal hit6-of-9 shots in the second half while scoring 18 points to lead the defendingNBA Development League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers past the Austin Toros118-103 on Saturday at State Farm Arena in front of a crowd of 4,859.

The Vipers(30-14) and Toros (19-24) traded the lead 13 times in the first two and a halfquarters, but with the Vipers leading 60-57 midway through the third, theVipers went on a 9-2 run to take a 69-59 lead after a Richard Roby reverse lay-up at the 5:00 mark. Kyle Weaver hit a jumper and TreKelley hit a free throw to break the run, but the Vipers scored the next ninepoints to take a 78-62 lead on a driving lay-up by McNeal, back-to-back basketsby Terrel Harris, including a slamdunk in transition, and a three-point play by McNeal at the 2:09 mark.

McNeal scored12 points in the third quarter as the Vipers outscored the Toros 37-21 to takean 86-70 lead. They had been tied 49-49 at halftime.

It was McNeal’sfirst game since March 5. He returned from a GATORADE Call-Up to the NewOrleans Hornets earlier in the day. He did not see any action with the Hornets.

Jon Scheyer led the Vipers in scoring wit acareer-high 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including a career-best 5-of-9 frombehind the arc. Roby and PatrickSullivan each finished with 20 points.

Weaver led theToros in scoring with 24 points on 7-of-12 shooting including 4-for-6 frombehind the arc. Kevin Palmerfinished with 20 points and nine rebounds.

The Viperswelcome three-time NBA All-Star and one-time NBA Champion Antoine Walker and the Idaho Stampede to State Farm Arena on Mondayat 7:00 p.m. at State Farm Arena. Fans can purchase hot dogs, popcorn and sodafor $1.00 each as well as beer for $1.50 each. Doors open at 6:00.