Huntsville 82, Columbus 85 (OT)
Riverdragons Hold On to Squeeze Out First Victory in Team History in Overtime
COLUMBUS, GA. Nov. 18, 2001-Tremaine Fowlkes scored five points in overtime to lead the Columbus Riverdragons to its first victory in team history with a 85-82 win over the Huntsville Flight in the Riverdragons' regular season NBDL opener at the Columbus Civic Center.
The Flight erased a 20-point third quarter deficit to force overtime. Jimmy Hunter led the Flight's comeback, scoring 14 of his game-high 20 points in the fourth quarter. Flight guard Jimmy Harrell knocked down a three-pointer with 8 seconds to play in regulation to tie the score at 69-69 and force the extra time.
"We have to develop a killer instinct," said Jeff Malone, Riverdragons' head coach. "That's what we had when I played with Utah (NBA). Sure, teams will make runs but you have to remain focussed. I need to teach these guys how to be closers. Once we do that I think we'll be o.k."
The Riverdragons were led by forward Gabe Muoneke, Columbus' first round pick (fourth overall) in the 2001 NBDL Draft, who scored a team-high 18 points along with eight rebounds. Fowlkes finished the game with 10 points and led the team in rebounds with nine.
The Riverdragons built a 15 point lead at halftime behind the solid play of reserve guard Harold Arceneuax. The former Weber St. star scored 11of his 15 points in the second quarter while shooting a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line. The Riverdragons defense also held the Flight to 6.0% (1-16) shooting from the floor to build the 15 point cushion.
The Flight made its move in the fourth quarter as Hunter caught fire scoring 12 of the Flight's first 16 points in the period. The Flight also received strong play from center Shelley Clark who dominated the boards pulling down a game-high 18 rebounds while pitching in 12 points.
The Riverdragons and Flight may be brewing an early rivalry as the cities sit less than 250 away. The two teams play three of its first six games against each other and meet next Saturday November 24 at the Columbus Civic Center at 7:00 p.m.
Riverdragons' guard Nate Johnson recorded the first rebound, field goal attempt, field goal made and slam dunk in team history in the second minute of the first quarter. Johnson finished the game with 14 points.
Rivedragon Notes
Riverdragons
Tremaine Fowkles: It was a tough win and we had a little breakdown after getting the big lead. But in the end we played well as a team down the stretch when we needed it.
Harold Arceneaux: I had a slight ankle sprain but it didn't stop me from playing. I hit the free throws because that was more mental and focus. I felt good that we played and won our first game .
Nate Johnson: Huntsville played a physical game but we were up for the challenge. We want to work on our defense and rebounding position. If can improve that, we won't let teams back in. But it is always better when you win.
Flight
Jimmy Harrell: We needed to execute better. We fell behind and had to play hard to get back in. If we played the second quarter and early third quarter, we could have come in with a W.
Terrance Roberson: We needed to execute better. It may have been first game jitters but if we had played the second and third quarter like we played the fourth, we could have come out with a win. The Riverdragons' defense played strong as well.
Bob Thornton: I was pleased with our intensity in the second half. We started playing better defensively boxing out knocking down somw shots and we were able to run. We had a couple though calls at the end. Maybe you get those calls at home. But if we don't shot that poorly in the first half maybe we're not in that position.
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