BISMARCK, ND, March 7, 2007 – The Dakota Wizards came back from a 25-point first-half deficit only to fall in the final minutes 106-102 to the Western Division leading Idaho Stampede.

The Stampede jumped out to an early 36-19 lead after one quarter of play and extended their lead to 59-40 with four players already scoring in double figures at the half.

“I am very disappointed on how we started this game” said head coach Dave Joerger. “On a good note I am happy on how we responded in the second half to make it a game at the end”

The Wizards turned it on in the second half behind forward Darius Rice who scored 12 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter. Dakota closed the gap to within one (97-96) with 1:41 left in the contest, but the Stampede’s first half lead proved too much for the Wizards to overcome.

The Wizards, now 20-14 on the season, were led in scoring by forward Renaldo Major who scored a team high 20 points to go with his nine rebounds. Center Kevin Lyde finished the contest with his first double-double of the season, 18 points and a season-high 11 rebounds.

Idaho, behind center Lance Allred’s 30 points and 10 rebounds, moves to a league best 26-11. Forward Luke Jackson added 18 points and 10 boards, while guard Randy Livingston was the third Stampede player to record a double-double on the night with 13 points to go along with his 14 assists.

The Wizards hit the road once again to make up a game with Arkansas on Friday night, while the Stampede head south to face the Albuquerque Thunderbirds on Sunday.