Reno Bighorns vs. Los Angeles D-Fenders, January 3, 2017

Tuesday, January 3, 2017                                                                                                 Kyle Jones: kjones@renobighorns.com

PATTERSON’S 33 POINTS NOT ENOUGH TO HOLD OFF LA

RENO. Nev. —- The Reno Bighorns (6-12) fell to the Los Angeles D-Fenders (15-5) 125-118 Tuesday night at the Reno Events Center.

Kings Affiliate Player Lamar Patterson led the Bighorns with 33 points (11/19 FG), five rebounds, six assists and three steals while affiliate player Isaiah Cousins totaled 22 points four rebounds and six assists. Kings Assignment Player Georgios Papagiannis followed Cousins closely notching 19 points and nine rebounds.

Vander Blue paced the D-Fenders with 26 points and three rebounds and three assists while Josh Magette recorded a double-double with 22 points, 10 assists and four rebounds.

The first quarter was a tightly contested battle that saw four lead changes and two ties. The teams exchanged buckets knotting the score up at eight with 9:21 to play in the first quarter. The D-Fenders took a 10-8 lead before Hearn sank a triple to retake the lead. The teams remained scoreless for two minutes until the Bighorns went on a 12-3 run spurred by a lay-up from Papagiannis to take a 10-point advantage over the D-Fenders. The D-Fenders responded with a 12-3 run to edge the Bighorns 25-24 with 2:50 left to play in the first frame. Patterson would score two triples and a free-throw to give the Bighorns a 32-26 lead heading into the second quarter.

The Bighorns held their advantage over the D-Fenders until the D-Fenders tied the game at 45 mid-way through the frame before taking control of the lead after a lay-up from Blue. The D-Fenders pulled away by as many as eight to end the first half with a 60-52 lead.

The battle continued through the third quarter, though the D-Fenders would continue to hold the edge. A three-pointer from Patterson with 5:40 left in the third frame cut the Bighorns deficit to five points. The D-Fenders entered the final frame with a 97-87 lead.

In the opening minute of the final frame, Patterson hit a triple. Despite the Bighorns winning the frame 31-28, the D-fenders would preserve control of the game throughout the fourth quarter to defeat the Bighorns 125-118.

The Bighorns return home to host the Oklahoma City Blue on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the contest will begin at $12. Fans can visit renobighorns.com to purchase tickets or call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220.

–bighorns—

About the Reno Bighorns:

The Reno Bighorns are a member of the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the NBA. The Bighorns are affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. Season tickets for the 2016-17 season are on sale now! For more information, call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220 or visit RenoBighorns.com. Follow us on Twitter @renobighorns and “like” the Bighorns on Facebook at facebook.com/bighornshoops. The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 22 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2016-17 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2015-16 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.

Reno Bighorns vs. Austin Spurs December 21, 2016

Wednesday, December 22, 2016                                                                                      Kyle Jones: kjones@renobighorns.com

BIGHORNS WIN OVERTIME THRILLER AGAINST AUSTIN

RENO, Nev. —- The Reno Bighorns (5-10) defeated the Austin Spurs (6-10) 108-105 Wednesday night at the Reno Events Center in overtime.

Sacramento Kings Affiliate Player Lamar Patterson led the Bighorns with 26 points, five rebounds and eight assists while Kings assignment player Skal Labissiere logged a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Kings assignee Georgios Papagiannis notched 15 points and nine rebounds as Reggie Hearn poured in 12 points and grabbed three rebounds.

Bryn Forbes paced the Spurs with 29 points and six rebounds while Dejounte Murray recorded a double-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

The Spurs took control of the game early, leading the Bighorns by nine at the mid-way point of the first quarter. The Bighorns rallied back to close the deficit to four with 3:45 to play in the first frame. The Spurs won the frame 29-26. Papagiannis and Labissiere scored five points each.

The Bighorns kept the Spurs scoreless the first the first four and a half minutes of the second frame going on a 7-0 run to take a one-point advantage over the Spurs. The Spurs would retake control of the lead after Charles-Jean stepped to the line after being fouled by Labissiere. The Bighorns edged the Spurs 38-37 with 4:48 to play in the first half. The teams exchanged buckets with Hearn hitting a three with .30 in play before Murray scored a layup to give the Spurs a 51-44 lead heading into the locker room at the half.

The Bighorn chipped away at Austin’s lead tying the game at 58 at the 7:31 mark in the third quarter. Hearn sunk a three to give the Bighorns a three-point lead before the Spurs responded with a 12-3 run to hold a 70-63 lead with 3:58 on the clock. Despite threes from Pe’Shon Howard and Hearn, the Spurs had a 80-71 lead at the end of the third frame.

Forbes opened up the fourth quarter with a triple to give the Spurs a 12-point lead, their largest lead of the night. The teams battled for control of the game before Renaldo Major and Patterson scored triples less than a minute apart to make it a four-point with 3:12 to play in regulation. Spurs’ McCamey scored a free-throw with 2:26 to play in regulation. Labissiere and Patterson would both dunk giving the Bighorns a one point deficit at the 1:38 mark . Murray hit a jumper before Patterson scored a triple to knot the score up at 98 to force the game into overtime. The Bighorns won the fourth frame 27-18 behind Patterson’s 13 points (5-7 FG, 2-2 3P).

Forbes sank a three early in the overtime frame to give Austin the lead. A jumper from Labissiere and a free-throw from Patterson tied the game a 101 before Cousins hit a jump shot and two free-throws to give the Bighorns a 105-101 lead with .43 in play. Jefferson sank a free-throw after being fouled by Papagiannis before Hearn was fouled twice making three free-throws giving the Bighorns a 108-102 lead. Forbes hit a three with .58 remaining in play. The Spurs would in-bound the ball but remained scoreless on the final possession securing a 108-105 Bighorns victory over the Spurs.

The Bighorns will next travel to Oklahoma to face the Oklahoma City Blue on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 5 P.M.

–bighorns—

About the Reno Bighorns:

The Reno Bighorns are a member of the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the NBA. The Bighorns are affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. Season tickets for the 2016-17 season are on sale now! For more information, call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220 or visit RenoBighorns.com. Follow us on Twitter @renobighorns and “like” the Bighorns on Facebook at facebook.com/bighornshoops. The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 22 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2016-17 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2015-16 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.

 

Reno Bighorns vs. Iowa Energy December 9, 2016

Friday, December 9, 2016

Media Contacts: Kyle Jones: kjones@renobighorns.com 

PATTERSON’S 35 POINTS PUSHES THE BIGHORNS PAST THE ENERGY

RENO, Nev. —- The Reno Bighorns (3-8) defeated to the Iowa Energy (2-9) 115-99 Friday night at the Reno Events Center.

Sacramento Kings Affiliate Player Lamar Patterson led the Bighorns with 35 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Kings affiliate player Isiah Cousins poured in 18 points, three rebounds and six steals as Kings assignee Skal Labissiere added 14 points and four rebounds for the Bighorns.

Kailin Lucas paced the Energy logging a double-double with 26 points, three rebounds and 10 assists as JaKarr Sampson totaled 16 points seven rebounds and three assists.

The Bighorns jumped out to an early 6-2 lead behind a jumper and dunk from Labissiere. After being knotted up at 14, the Bighorns went on a 19-4 run to lead the Energy 33-18 behind triples from Patterson and Renaldo Major with 3:00 remaining in the first frame. The Bighorns would control the remainder of the quarter to enter the second frame with a 37-27 lead.

Major sunk a triple in the opening seconds of the second frame to lead the Energy by 14. The Energy would match the Bighorns point for point until the Bighorns would go on an 8-0 run spurred by a three from Major. The Bighorns remained scoreless for a little less than three minutes to let the Energy cut the deficit to 10 points until Patterson hit a three at the 5:18 mark. The Energy’s Quinton Chievous drained a three with 5:02 left in play. The Bighorns responded with a three and two free throws from Patterson to lead the Energy by 17 with 3:07 to play in the first half. The Energy went on a 10-2 run to go in the locker room at the half trailing the Bighorns 63-54.

Patterson scored 22 points and added five rebounds and two assists in the first half while Major went 3-3 from behind the arc.

The Bighorns shot 55% from the field in the first half.

The Bighorns maintained their advantage over the Energy and controlled the third quarter, winning the frame 28-20. The Energy would chip away at the Bighorns lead coming within six points. The Bighorns entered the final frame with a 87-79 lead.

Richardson opened the final frame with back-to-back triples to take a 17-point advantage over the Energy. The Energy closed the deficit to six after a free throw from JaKarr Sampson at the 8:32 mark. The Bighorns went on a late 8-1 run to finish the game with an emphatic 16-point margin of victory.

The Bighorns will travel to Hidalgo, Texas to face the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m.

–bighorns—

About the Reno Bighorns:

The Reno Bighorns are a member of the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the NBA. The Bighorns are affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. Season tickets for the 2016-17 season are on sale now! For more information, call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220 or visit RenoBighorns.com. Follow us on Twitter @renobighorns and “like” the Bighorns on Facebook at facebook.com/bighornshoops. The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 22 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2016-17 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2015-16 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.

Reno Bighorns vs. Rio Grande Valley Vipers, December 1, 2016

                                                                                   

Thursday, December 1, 2016                    Kyle Jones: kjones@renobighorns.com

BIGHORNS FALL SHORT TO THE VIPERS

RENO, Nev. —- The Reno Bighorns (2-6) fell to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (6-2) 103-83 Thursday night at the Reno Events Center.

Sacramento Kings Assignment Player Skal Labissiere led the Bighorns with 20 points and six rebounds while Kings Affiliate Player Lamar Patterson added 18 points, two rebounds and two assists. Chane Behanan notched nine points and seven rebounds in the Thursday night contest.

Darius Morris paces the Vipers with 21 points, six rebounds and six assists as Jarvis Threatt tallied 17 points and five rebounds.

The opening minutes of the first frame was a tight battle that saw three lead changes in three minutes as the Bighorns held the edge over the Vipers until Le’Bryan Nash sunk two free throws after being fouled by Patterson. The Vipers would jump out to a 16-point lead heading into the second quarter.

The two teams remained scoreless the first two minutes of play in the second quarter before Nash scored a free throw. The Bighorns responded with a floating jumper by Patterson and a layup from Labissiere to close the deficit to 15. The Vipers would maintain their double digit lead over the Bighorns before the Bighorns responded with a late 5-0 run to end the first half trailing the Vipers 54-32.

Labissiere ended the first half behind a 4-4 shooting effort, totaling 16 points.

The Bighorns outscored the Vipers 29-23 in the third quarter behind two triples from Patterson and a 2-3 shooting effort from Labissiere. The Bighorns chipped away at the Vipers lead cutting the deficit to 15 after a triple from Patterson with 4:15 remaining to play in third. Kings Assignment Player Geogios Papagiannis added the final points for the Bighorns in the third after a layup with 30 second in play. The Vipers led the Bighorns 77-61 entering the final quarter.

Patterson opened the fourth quarter with a three cutting the deficit to 79-66 with just under 10:00 remaining in play.  The Bighorns were able to come within 13 points during the final frame, but were unable to overcome the Vipers lead, ultimately dropping 103-83 to the Vipers.

The Bighorns will travel to Arizona to take on the Northern Arizona Suns on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. PST.

–bighorns—

About the Reno Bighorns:

The Reno Bighorns are a member of the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the NBA. The Bighorns are affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. Season tickets for the 2016-17 season are on sale now! For more information, call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220 or visit RenoBighorns.com. Follow us on Twitter @renobighorns and “like” the Bighorns on Facebook at facebook.com/bighornshoops. The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 22 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2016-17 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2015-16 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.

Reno Bighorns vs. Santa Cruz Warriors, November 27, 2016

Sunday, November 27, 201                     Kyle Jones: kjones@renobighorns.com

BIGHORNS CRUISE TO VICTORY OVER THE WARRIORS

RENO, NV —- The Reno Bighorns (2-5) defeated to the Santa Cruz Warriors (2-4) 100-84 Sunday night at the Reno Events Center.

Sacramento Kings assignment player, Malachi Richardson logged his first double-double of the season with 24 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Assignment player, Skal Labissiere added 18 points, four rebounds and three steals for the Bighorns while affiliate player Lamar Patterson had 13 points and five rebounds in the Sunday night contest.

Elgin Cook paced the Warriors with 27 points and four rebounds as Cameron Jones tallied 16 points, five rebounds and five assists.

The Warriors jumped out to an early 9-4 lead and led by more than eight mid-way through the first. The Bighorns responded going on an 8-0 run to tie the game at 18 with 2:17 left to play in the first frame. Santa Cruz controlled the lead the remainder of the quarter, winning the frame 21-20.

The Bighorns controlled the second quarter, winning the frame 51-35. After a jumper from Labissiere with 10:43 on the clock, the Bighorns took a 25-23 lead that they would never relinquish. The Bighorns went on a 20-3 run spurred by a three from Ayers to begin the second quarter making is a 40-24 game with 5:50 left to play in the first quarter. Jones hit a layup to give the Warriors their first points in over four minutes before Richardson sank a three with 3:41 to play in the third. The Bighorns went into the locker room at the half leading the Warriors 51-35.

The Bighorns shot 43.9% from the field in the first half compared to the Warriors shooting 34.1%.

The Bighorns had the early jump on the Warriors after Richardson drained a triple in the first minute of the second half to hold a 19 point advantage of over the Warriors. The Bighorns maintained a double digit lead over the Warriors throughout the quarter, leading by as much as 22. Labissiere scored 10 of his 18 points in the third.

The two teams remained scoreless the first the first two minutes of the fourth quarter before Richardson hit a layup to give the Bighorns an 85-63 lead. The Warriors closed the deficit to 12 after a free throw from Cook at the 3:55 mark. The Bighorns went on a late 8-2 run to finish the game with an emphatic 16-point margin of victory.

Richardson scored 15 of his 24 points in the second half.

The Bighorns will host the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the contest will begin at $12. Fans can visit renobighorns.com to purchase tickets or call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220.

–bighorns—

About the Reno Bighorns:

The Reno Bighorns are a member of the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the NBA. The Bighorns are affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. Season tickets for the 2016-17 season are on sale now! For more information, call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220 or visit RenoBighorns.com. Follow us on Twitter @renobighorns and “like” the Bighorns on Facebook at facebook.com/bighornshoops. The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 22 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2016-17 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2015-16 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.

Reno Bighorns vs. Texas Legends, November 22, 2016

 

 

Tuesday, November 23, 2016                    Kyle Jones: kjones@renobighorns.com

BIGHORNS DEFEAT TEXAS WITH BUZZER BEATER FINISH

RENO, NV —- The Reno Bighorns (1-4) defeated to the Texas Legends (1-2) 110-108 Tuesday night at the Reno Events Center.

Sacramento Kings affiliate player, Lamar Patterson, led the Bighorns with 27 points, four rebounds, three assists and five steals. Kings assignment player, Malachi Richardson, followed Patterson close with 26 points two rebounds and three assists while assignment player Skal Labissiere had 21 points and eight rebounds in the Tuesday night contest. Isaiah Cousins would log his first double-double of the season with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

Jameel Warney paced the Legends with 24 points and seven rebounds as Manny Harris notched 19 points, ten rebounds and three assists.

The Bighorns jumped out to an early 5-2 lead and led by more than eight mid-way through the first. The Legends would go on an 8-0 run to lead the Bighorns 21-18 with 2:30 left to play in the first frame. Texas would keep control of the lead the remainder of the quarter, winning the frame 34-26. Labissiere would score 13 of his 21 points in the quarter behind a 6-7 shooting effort.

Legend’s Bryson Fonville sank a three in the opening minutes of the second quarter. The Bighorns responded with an 8-0 run behind a dunk from Cousins to edge the Legends 43-39 at the 7:19 mark. The Bighorns reclaimed the lead (53-49) after triples from Richardson and Patterson with 3:00 remaining in the first half. The Bighorns won the frame 31-17, going into the locker room at the half with a 57-51 lead.

The Bighorns shot 46.7% from the field in the first half compared to the Legends shooting 43.5%.

The Legends would chip away at the Bighorns lead, coming within two points (59-57) with 8:38 remaining in the third quarter. Cousins hit a three giving the Bighorns a seven point lead mid-way though the quarter. The Bighorns would control the lead going into the final frame with an 80-76 lead over the Legends.

The fourth quarter was a tightly contested battle that saw six lead changes and four ties. Legends’ C.J. Williams opened up the frame with a three to make the score 82-79 with 10:15 left in play. The Legends continued to close the deficit before a triple from Fonville gave the Legends a 91-90 lead at the 7:44 mark. Texas would get a five point advantage before the Bighorns answered with a 6-2 run to make it a one point Legends lead. With 2:24 remaining in play, Patterson stepped to the line and scored two after being fouled by Fonville giving the Bighorns a one point advantage. Richardson drove to the basket to score a layup to give the Bighorns a 108-106 advantage. With 16.7 in play, Warney scored two to tie the game at 108. On the final possession, Richardson would hit a jumper with .10 left in play to secure a 110-108 victory over the Texas Legends.

The Bighorns will Travel to Prescott, AZ to face the Northern Arizona Stars on Friday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m

–bighorns—

About the Reno Bighorns:

The Reno Bighorns are a member of the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the NBA. The Bighorns are affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. Season tickets for the 2016-17 season are on sale now! For more information, call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220 or visit RenoBighorns.com. Follow us on Twitter @renobighorns and “like” the Bighorns on Facebook at facebook.com/bighornshoops. The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 22 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2016-17 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2015-16 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.

Reno Bighorns vs. Oklahoma City Blue, November 19, 2016

Saturday, November 19, 2016                          Kyle Jones: kjones@renobighorns.com

BIGHORNS FALL TO OKLAHOMA AT HOME

RENO, NV —- The Reno Bighorns fell to the Oklahoma City Blue 106-97 Thursday night at the Reno Events Center.

Malachi Richardson, who is on assignment from the Sacramento Kings, led the Bighorns with 28 points and three rebounds while Kings affiliate player, Lamar Patterson had 20 points, six rebounds and seven assists in the Saturday night contest. Affiliate player, Isaiah Cousins,, tallied 11 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Dakari Johnson led the Blue scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds and three assists while Reggie Williams notched 21 points, four rebounds and two assists.

The first quarter was tightly contested that saw four ties. The two teams matched each other point for point until the Bighorns pulled away after back-to-back triples from Cousins making it a 14-7 game at the 7:30 mark. The Bighorns controlled their lead until the Blue went on a 7-2 run to tie the game at 25 to end the first frame.

In the opening minutes of the second, Blue’s Myke Henry hit a three. The Bighorns would respond with an 11-4 run midway through the quarter behind two threes from Richardson making it a 40-37 Bighorns lead at the 4:30 mark. The two teams would exchange buckets matching points. The frame saw five lead changes and three ties. The Blue won the second 25-24, making it a 50-49 game at the half.

Richardson would go 3-3 from behind the arc in the first half.

Richardson would make a jumper to open the third quarter before the Blue would go on a 6-2 run to take a 58-51 lead over the Bighorns. The Blue would outscore the Bighorns 19-24 in the frame.

The Bighorns would go on a 6-0 run early in the fourth cutting the deficit to three. Blue’s Jannero Pargo would sink back-to-back threes making it a 84-75 game with 7:27 left in play. Cousins drained a three with an assist from Patterson mid-way through the quarter to close the deficit to seven. Patterson’s triple with .15 left in play wouldn’t be enough to pull the Bighorns past the Blue. The Blue would not surrender the lead, defeating the Bighorns 106-97.

Patterson scored 17 of his 20 points in the second half.

The Bighorns will host the Texas Legends on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the game will begin at $12. Fans can visit renobighorns.com to purchase tickets or call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220.

–bighorns—

About the Reno Bighorns:

The Reno Bighorns are a member of the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the NBA. The Bighorns are affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. Season tickets for the 2016-17 season are on sale now! For more information, call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220 or visit RenoBighorns.com. Follow us on Twitter @renobighorns and “like” the Bighorns on Facebook at facebook.com/bighornshoops. The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 22 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2016-17 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2015-16 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.

NBA D-League Playoffs, Reno Bighorns vs. Los Angeles D-Fenders, April 12, 2016

If you would like to use or license my photos contact me or zumapress.com

Media Contact: Kyle Jones: kjones@renobighorns.com

BIGHORNS FALL AT THE LAST SECOND IN DECISIVE GAME 3

RENO, NV—- Despite a last second three attempt from Ledo, the 2015-16 NBA D-League Pacific Division Champion Reno Bighorns fell 111-108 to the Los Angeles D-Fenders during Game 3 in the First Round of the 2016 Western Conference Semi-Finals Tuesday Night at the Reno Events Center.

Erick Green recorded 33 points, four rebounds and two assists to lead the Bighorns. Ricky Ledo followed Green closely with 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Kadeem Jack tallied 17 points and nine rebounds as David Stockton had 10 points, two rebounds and six assists.

Vander Blue led the D-Fenders with 27 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Ryan Gomes notched 20 points, four rebounds and two assists while Josh Magette added 16 points and seven rebounds.

The first quarter was a tightly contested battle that saw seven lead changes and four ties. The D-Fenders would get the first points in the game after a three from Magette in the opening seconds. The two teams would keep the score tight until the Bighorns would go on a 12-6 run giving them a 29-22 lead with 1:06 left in the first. The Bighorns would win the frame 29-26.

The Bighorns opened up the second quarter going on a 6-2 run. The D-Fenders would come back to tie the game at 36 with 8:36 left in the first half. The Bighorns went on a 8-3 run to get a 44-39 advantage over the D-Fenders. The D-Fenders would take control of the lead at the 4:40 mark before Luke Martinez would connect with a corner triple and Jack would hit a lay-up to give the Bighorns a 56-51 lead over the D-Fenders. The Bighorns would go into the locker room at the half leading the D-Fenders 62-59.

The two teams exchanged the lead 11 times and tied 11 times in the first half.

The Bighorns opened up the third quarter on a 12-5 run taking an early 74-64 lead. The D-Fenders responded with a 12-5 run with 2:30 on the clock. The frame was a low scoring affair with the Bighorns losing the third 21-19.

The teams would match each other point-for-point in the final frame with each team going on a 8-7 run to open the fourth. A jumper from Stockton would give the Bighorns a three-point advantage with 9:00 remaining in play. The D-Fenders would retake the lead after a lay-up from Speedy Smith and a triple from Gomes. A quick 4-2 run by the Bighorns would again give them control of the lead. Magette would hit a triple at the 3:00 mark before Green would respond with a deep triple with 2:30 left on the clock. The D-Fenders would go on a 8-4 run to make the score 109-105 with 27 seconds left in play. A fade away three from Green with 11.8 seconds on the clock would close the Bighorns deficit to 109-108. The D-Fenders would go to the line to hit two free-throws before Ledo would sink a triple out of regulation time. The Bighorns would fall 111-108 to the D-Fenders to end their 2015-16 season.

– bighorns –

About the Reno Bighorns:

 The Reno Bighorns are a member of the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the NBA. The Bighorns are affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. Season tickets for the 2015-16 season are on sale now! For more information, call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220 or visit RenoBighorns.com. Follow us on Twitter @renobighorns and “like” the Bighorns on Facebook at facebook.com/bighornshoops. The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 19 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2015-16 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2014-15 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on –nbadleague.com.

NBA D-League Playoffs, Reno Bighorns vs. Los Angeles D-Fenders, April 10, 2016

If you would like to use or license my photos contact me or zumapress.com

Media Contact: Kyle Jones: kjones@renobighorns.com

BIGHORNS TAKE GAME 2 FROM THE D-FENDERS

RENO, NV—- The 2015-16 NBA D-League Pacific Division Champion Reno Bighorns defeated the Los Angeles D-Fenders 123-116 during Game 2 in the First Round of the 2016 Western Conference Semi-Finals Sunday Night at the Reno Events Center.

Erick Green recorded 38 points, six rebounds and six assists to lead the Bighorns. Ricky Ledo followed with 33 points, eight rebounds and four assists. David Stockton logged a double-double with 16 points, 11 assists and six rebounds as Kadeem Jack tallied 15 points and six rebounds.

Justin Harper led the D-Fenders with 34 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Ryan Gomes notched 25 points, 10 rebounds and four assists while Josh Magette added 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

The first quarter was tightly contested that saw six lead changes and three ties. Ledo opened up the quarter with a three in the first seconds of the game. The two teams would match each other point-for-point throughout the quarter. At the 2:40 mark, the D-Fenders held a 27-21 lead before the Bighorns went on an 11-1 run powered by a deep three from Green at the buzzer. The Bighorns would win the frame 32-29.

The D-Fenders would get the first points in the second quarter after a lay-up from Magette. The teams kept the score close before the Bighorns would go on a 12-5 run midway through the quarter to hold a seven point advantage over the D-Fenders. The D-Fenders responded with a 12-5 run to get a 51-49 advantage over the Bighorns. The D-Fenders went into the locker room at the half leading the Bighorns 61-56.

The D-Fenders had the early jump on the Bighorns after sinking back-to-back threes in the first 30 seconds of the second half to hold their largest advantage of the night over the Bighorns (60-58). The Bighorns answered with a 10-4 run midway through the frame to close the deficit to 70-68. The D-Fenders continued their pace throughout the third to hold a one-point advantage over the Bighorns (88-89) going into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle that saw five lead changes and one tie. The Bighorns got the early lead after Stockton drew the foul to get two points at the line, making it an 89-88 game. Ledo connected with a three with 10:44 left in play. After a jumper from Jack with 10:12 on the clock, the Bighorns took a 94-93 lead over the D-Fenders that they would never relinquish. The Bighorns went on a 12-3 run at the 5:00 mark to give them their largest lead of the night (112-102). The Bighorns won the frame 36-28 to earn a 123-116 victory over the D-Fenders. Ricky Ledo scored 14 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter.

The Bighorns shot 58 percent from three-point range in the final quarter

The Bighorns (1-1) will host the D-Fenders (1-1) for Game 3 on Tuesday, Apr. 12 at 6:30 p.m. The winner of the series will advance to the Western Conference Finals to take on the Austin Spurs. Game 3 will be nationally televised on ESPNU.

– bighorns –

About the Reno Bighorns:

The Reno Bighorns are a member of the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the NBA. The Bighorns are affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. Season tickets for the 2015-16 season are on sale now! For more information, call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220 or visit RenoBighorns.com. Follow us on Twitter @renobighorns and “like” the Bighorns on Facebook at facebook.com/bighornshoops. The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 19 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2015-16 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2014-15 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games.  Check out the D-League at http://dleague.nba.com

Reno Bighorns vs. Bakersfield Jam, April 2, 2016

If you would like to use or license my photos contact me or zumapress.com

Media Contact: Kyle Jones: kjones@renobighorns.com

BIGHORNS DEFEAT THE JAM IN FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME

RENO, NV —- The 2015-16 NBA D-League Pacific Division Champion Reno Bighorns (33-17) defeated the Bakersfield Jam (22-28) 133-127 during their final regular season game of the 2015-16 season Saturday night at the Reno Events Center.

Kadeem Jack recorded a double-double with 28 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Bighorns. Akeem Richmond notched 27 points and six rebounds as Ricky Ledo had 19 points and two rebounds. David Stockton totaled 18 points and four assists.

Deonte Burton led the Jam with 24 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Xavier Silas totaled 23 points and seven rebounds while Renaldo Major added 21 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Jam.

The Bighorns opened up the game going on a 7-2 run behind two triples in the first minute of play from Ledo. The teams would exchange the lead and tie twice in a matter of two minutes before the Jam would take control of the lead after a lay-up from Burton. The Bighorns would close the deficit to one-point after a three sunk from Richmond with one minute to play. The Bighorns would end the first trailing the Jam 33-30.

Ledo would connect with a three in the opening seconds of the second quarter before the Bighorns would go on a 12-4 run, tying the score at 42 with 9:26 remaining in the first half. The Bighorns would chip away at the Jam making it a tied game two more times in the quarter. The Bighorns would go into the locker room trailing the Jam 74-67. Jack would score 13 of his 28 points in the second going 4-4 from the field.

The Jam would open the second half on a 6-2 run before the Bighorns would respond with an 11-4 run making it a two-point game at the seven minute mark. The Jam would have a 17-point lead over the Bighorns with five minutes on the clock, giving the Jam their biggest lead of the night. The Bighorns would go on an 8-2 run at the end of the quarter making it 103-101 at the end of the third with the Bighorns trailing the Jam.

The fourth quarter was a tightly contest battle, with five ties and five lead changes. The Bighorns would tie the game at 109 with eight minutes left to play. After a three from Richmond, the Bighorns would take control of the lead for the first time since the first quarter with a 115-113 advantage over the Jam with 5:30 left in play. The Jam would control the lead two more times in the quarter before the Bighorns would go on a 7-2 run to earn a 133-127 victory over the Jam.

– bighorns –

About the Reno Bighorns:

The Reno Bighorns are a member of the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the NBA. The Bighorns are affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. Season tickets for the 2015-16 season are on sale now! For more information, call the Bighorns front office at 775-853-8220 or visit RenoBighorns.com. Follow us on Twitter @renobighorns and “like” the Bighorns on Facebook at facebook.com/bighornshoops. The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 19 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2015-16 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2014-15 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on –nbadleague.com.