Flame Top Dazzle for First Win

ESTERO, Fla., Nov. 25 -- A concern for Jeff Malone turned into a surprising strength on Friday night.

The Florida Flame bench contributed 48 points to the cause and the Flame won their 2005-06 D-League season opener, 104-91, over the Roanoke Dazzle at Germain Arena.

Bracey Wright tallied a team-high 24 points in the victory for Florida, hitting 10-of-18 from the field.

Florida’s bench outscored Roanoke 48-9 and outrebounded the Dazzle backups 24-15 in the victory. Josh Gross hit for 17 points off the bench, including three treys to provide a big lift for the Flame, while George Leach added 14 points and seven rebounds in a reserve role.

“I was truly concerned about my bench heading into tonight’s game but they showed that they can be effective,” said Flame Head coach Jeff Malone. “Bracey will get his points, but the play of Josh and George was outstanding as well.”

Roanoke jumped out to a 25-18 first-quarter lead behind 10 points from Andreas Glyniadakis and a strong defensive effort that held Florida to 35 percent shooting in the period. But a 3-pointer from Gross prior to the quarter horn provided the momentum for Florida heading into the second period.

The Flame took control in the second stanza behind the strong play of Wright, whose steal and breakaway dunk capped a 12-4 run that put Florida up 30-29 with 8:22 remaining in the half. Wright posted 10 points in the quarter and the Dazzle hit just 9-of-25 as the Flame outscored Roanoke 33-25 to take a 51-50 advantage at halftime.

Florida put the game away in the fourth quarter, limiting the Dazzle to just six field goals and 17 points in the period. Andre Barrett hit for nine points and Gross notched six as the Flame outscored Roanoke in the 26-17 in the period to pull away for the win.

Five players scored in double figures for the Flame. Along with Wright’s 24, Gross’s 17, and Leach’s 14, Barrett posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 assists and Hiram Fuller notched 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Dazzle were led by a game-high 27 points from Glyniadakis. Anthony Grundy contributed 24 points, Isiah Victor tallied 14, and Peter Ramos finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.