EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov. 20 -- The Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League previewed the upcoming regular season with a preseason win over the Anaheim Arsenal Monday at the Toyota Sports Center.

Showcasing tenacious defense and a balanced offense, six D-Fenders players scored in the opening period, and their team defense allowed Los Angeles to break away from Anaheim early and often, giving the D-Fenders a 129-94 victory. 

The D-Fenders jumped out to an early 15-point lead in the first quarter, which quickly turned into a 36-point advantage by halftime.

Akin Akingbala established the D-Fenders' stellar defense with four blocked shots in the first quarter. Akingbala ended the contest with six blocks to go along with his 16 points and nine rebounds.

“We’re happy with our defense,” he said. “We caused several turnovers and we were able to set the tone early in the first half.” 

Los Angeles guard Chet Mason, the lone pick from the team’s open tryouts, blew the game open for the D-Fenders in the second quarter with 14 points and five assists in the period. He finished the game with a team-high 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting.

Anaheim forward Andre Owens led a third-quarter charge for the Arsenal with 11 points. Guided by Owens, the Arsenal shot 50 percent in the quarter, but it wasn’t enough to catch up with the D-Fenders.

Arsenal forward Jawad Williams finished with a game-high 25 points. Center Bryson McKenzie added 14 points, and guard Justin Johnson contributed with 12 points off the bench for Anaheim.

In the end, the D-Fenders bench outscored Anaheim’s reserves 85-31 in the contest, while providing constant energy and hustle. Los Angeles caused 15 turnovers and outrebounded its opponent 49-36.

“Anaheim played well in the second half and they were aggressive.  We need to be as aggressive as we were in the first half tonight, for Friday’s game,” said D-Fenders assistant coach Chucky Brown.  “The guys played hard and the upcoming cuts will be tough.”

Los Angeles will open the regular season Friday in Anaheim. The rematch offers both teams an opportunity to battle early in the regular season.

“We need to go over some video tape, and limit our turnovers,” Arsenal assistant coach Reggie Geary said of the rematch.