A pregame ceremonial tip off by US Olympic Gymnast JAKE DALTON with Reno Bighorn Center GEORGE PAPAGIANNIS (50) and Austin Spurs Forward CORY JEFFERSON (40) before the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno local US Olympic Gymnast JAKE DALTON before the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
The Lady Bighorns bringing the Holiday Spirit to the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Center GEORGE PAPAGIANNIS (50) shoots over Austin Spurs Forward CORY JEFFERSON (40) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard ISAIAH COUSINS (10) drives against Austin Spurs Guard DEJOUNTE MURRAY (5) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard ISAIAH COUSINS (10) drives against Austin Spurs Guard DEJOUNTE MURRAY (5) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard LAMAR PATTERSON (13) drives during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Center SKAL LABISSIERE (19) drives against Austin Spurs Forward LIVIO JEAN-CHARLES (35) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard PE’SHON HOWARD (5) drives against Austin Spurs Guard JEFF LEDBETTER (8) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard PE’SHON HOWARD (5) is fouled on his way through the middle by Austin Spurs Forward LIVIO JEAN-CHARLES (35) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard PE’SHON HOWARD (5) shoots from outside during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard LAMAR PATTERSON (13) drives against Austin Spurs Guard JEFF LEDBETTER (8) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Center SKAL LABISSIERE (19) shoots for three over Austin Spurs Forward LIVIO JEAN-CHARLES (35) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Austin Spurs Forward CORY JEFFERSON (40) shoots against Reno Bighorn Center GEORGE PAPAGIANNIS (50) and Reno Bighorn Center SKAL LABISSIERE (19) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Austin Spurs Guard DEJOUNTE MURRAY (5) works in the paint against Reno Bighorn Center SKAL LABISSIERE (19) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Center SKAL LABISSIERE (19) slaps the ball away from Austin Spurs Guard DEJOUNTE MURRAY (5) as Reno Bighorn Guard REGGIE HEARN (37) watches during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Austin Spurs Guard DEJOUNTE MURRAY (5) shoots from the corner as Reno Bighorn Coach SCOTT SCHROEDER shows his players what to do during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Austin Spurs Forward JARELL EDDIE (16) drives past Reno Bighorn Guard LAMAR PATTERSON (13) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Austin Spurs Guard JEFF LEDBETTER (8) drives during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Austin Spurs Forward LIVIO JEAN-CHARLES (35) drives during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Austin Spurs Guard BRYN FORBES (14) drives against Reno Bighorn Guard PE’SHON HOWARD (5) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Austin Spurs Forward CHARLES GARCIA (33) is sandwiched between Reno Bighorn Forward WILL DAVIS II (0) and Reno Bighorn Guard JAMAL BRANCH (21) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Austin Spurs Forward CHARLES GARCIA (33) is sandwiched between Reno Bighorn Forward WILL DAVIS II (0) and Reno Bighorn Guard JAMAL BRANCH (21) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Austin Spurs Forward CHARLES GARCIA (33) drives against Reno Bighorn Forward WILL DAVIS II (0) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
The Lady Bighorn Dancers perform during a quarter break of the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
The Lady Bighorn Dancers perform during a quarter break of the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
The Lady Bighorn Dancers perform during a quarter break of the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
The Lady Bighorn Dancers perform during a quarter break of the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
The Lady Bighorn Dancers perform during a quarter break of the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
The Lady Bighorn Dancers perform during a quarter break of the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Austin Spurs Forward CHARLES GARCIA (33) shoots over Reno Bighorn Center GEORGE PAPAGIANNIS (50) and Reno Bighorn Center SKAL LABISSIERE (19) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Austin Spurs Guard DEMETRI MCCAMEY (11) drives against Reno Bighorn Center GEORGE PAPAGIANNIS (50) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Center SKAL LABISSIERE (19) shoots during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard REGGIE HEARN (37) seals the game with an overtime freethrow during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Austin Spurs at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
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 Bighorn Guard RENALDO MAJOR (7) shoots for three during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard RENALDO MAJOR (7) elevates toward the hoop during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Forward WILL DAVIS II (0) shoots over Iowa Energy Forward RAMON HARRIS (22) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard JAMAL BRANCH (21) drives against Iowa Energy Guard CHRIS CRAWFORD (10) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard ISAIAH COUSINS (10) drives past Iowa Energy Guard KALIN LUCAS (9) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard LAMAR PATTERSON (13) drives past Iowa Energy Guard CHRIS CRAWFORD (10) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard LAMAR PATTERSON (13) shoots nearly alone in the corner for three during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard LAMAR PATTERSON (13) battles with Iowa Energy Forward QUINTON CHIEVOUS (11) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Iowa Energy Guard WAYNE SELDEN JR (7) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Iowa Energy Guard WAYNE SELDEN JR (7) shoots against Reno Bighorn Center SKAL LABISSIERE (19) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Iowa Energy Forward QUINTON CHIEVOUS (11) protests as he forces his way to the key against Reno Bighorn Guard LAMAR PATTERSON (13) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Iowa Energy Guard TERRY WHISNANT (6) shoots from the corner against Reno Bighorn Guard LAMAR PATTERSON (13) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard JAMAL BRANCH (21) shoots a layup against Iowa Energy Guard KALIN LUCAS (9) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard REGGIE HEARN (37) shoots for three during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard MALACHI RICHARDSON (9) drives during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard REGGIE HEARN (37) drives during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
The Lady Bighorn Dancers positioned for the National Anthem before the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard MALACHI RICHARDSON (9) tries to pass between Iowa Energy Forward PERRY JONES III (18) and Iowa Energy Guard WAYNE SELDEN JR (7) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Center SKAL LABISSIERE (19) dunks during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard LAMAR PATTERSON (13) protests some contact from Iowa Energy Forward PERRY JONES III (18) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard MALACHI RICHARDSON (9) tries to create a foul against Iowa Energy Forward MATT COSTELLO (24) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard MALACHI RICHARDSON (9) drives past Iowa Energy Guard WAYNE SELDEN JR (7) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Iowa Energy at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
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 Bighorn Center GEORGE PAPAGIANNIS (50) shoots over Rio Grande Valley Viper Center JOSHUA SMITH (32) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard MALACHI RICHARDSON (9) works on the outside against Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard GARY PAYTON II (0) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard MALACHI RICHARDSON (9) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard MALACHI RICHARDSON (9) drives against Rio Grande Valley Viper Forward LE’BRYAN NASH (2) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard LAMAR PATTERSON (13) drives against Rio Grande Valley Viper Forward JP TOKOTO (6) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard MARK TYNDALE (1) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard MALACHI RICHARDSON (9) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Center SKAL LABISSIERE (19) dunks against Rio Grande Valley Viper Center CHINANU ONUAKU (23) and Rio Grande Valley Viper Forward LE’BRYAN NASH (2) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Center GEORGE PAPAGIANNIS (50) works in the paint against Rio Grande Valley Viper Center CHINANU ONUAKU (23) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard LAMAR PATTERSON (13) drives against Rio Grande Valley Viper Forward JP TOKOTO (6) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard PE’SHON HOWARD (5) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard ISAIAH COUSINS (10) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Forward JP TOKOTO (6) shoots a layup during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Reno Bighorn Guard CAM GRIFFIN (4) drives during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard JARVIS THREATT (4) protests a play against Reno Bighorn Guard ISAIAH COUSINS (10) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Center JOSHUA SMITH (32) shoots over Reno Bighorn Center GEORGE PAPAGIANNIS (50) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard JARVIS THREATT (4) tries to use hang time to avoid the long reach of Reno Bighorn Center GEORGE PAPAGIANNIS (50) under the basket during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard DARIUS MORRIS (9) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Forward JP TOKOTO (6) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Center CHINANU ONUAKU (23) shoots an underhand free-throw during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard DARIUS MORRIS (9) drives against Reno Bighorn Guard ISAIAH COUSINS (10) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard DARIUS MORRIS (9) drives against Reno Bighorn Guard ISAIAH COUSINS (10) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard GARY PAYTON II (0) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard GARY PAYTON II (0) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard GARY PAYTON II (0) attempts a shot against Reno Bighorn Guard LAMAR PATTERSON (13) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard GARY PAYTON II (0) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard JARVIS THREATT (4) shoots over Reno Bighorn Guard RENALDO MAJOR (7) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard JARVIS THREATT (4) draws a foul against Reno Bighorn Forward CHANE BEHANAN (24) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Center CHINANU ONUAKU (23) works in the paint against Reno Bighorn Center GEORGE PAPAGIANNIS (50) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard JARVIS THREATT (4) drives past Reno Bighorn Guard JAMAL BRANCH (21) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard JARVIS THREATT (4) drives past Reno Bighorn Guard JAMAL BRANCH (21) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard DARIUS MORRIS (9) passes during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Forward JP TOKOTO (6) shoots for three during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard DARIUS MORRIS (9) drives against Reno Bighorn Guard PE’SHON HOWARD (5) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Rio Grande Valley Viper Guard DARIUS MORRIS (9) during the NBA D-League Basketball game between the Reno Bighorns and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
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.