Bismarck, N.D. (Mar. 19, 2012) – The Dakota Wizards overcame a poor first quarter shooting performance to take down the Springfield Armor Monday night, 98-93. The Wizards were able to hold off a late rally as Marcus Dove lead the way with 26 points, on 10-11 shooting from the free throw line, and he also snagged 7 rebounds on the night.

It took awhile for both teams to warm up with the Wizards taking a 12-4 lead with just over six minutes left in the first quarter. The Armor went on a 9-0 run and closed out the quarter only down three points, 26-23. Springfield tightened up their defense in the second quarter forcing 8 Wizards turnovers and outscored Dakota 28-18 in the quarter to take a 51-44 lead at the half.

The roles were reversed in the third quarter with the Wizards going on a 12-2 run to start the quarter led by Dove with 9 points in the quarter. Dakota would outscore Springfield 23-12 in the quarter and take a 4 point lead heading into the final quarter. Dakota pushed their lead to 9 late in the fourth on a Leo Lyons 3-pointer and were able to hold off Springfield for the five point victory.

Stefhon Hannah continued his hot shooting finishing with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Shy Ely came off the bench to chip in 16 points on 4 for 5 shooting from the 3-point line.

Jeff Foote recorded a double-double on the night with 18 points and 13 rebounds. JamesOn Curry scored a team high 23 points in the loss.

Dakota improves to 23-19 on the season while Springfield drops to 22-19. The Wizards will be back in action this weekend to take on the Erie BayHawks, while the Armor conclude their four-game road trip tomorrow night in Sioux Falls against the Skyforce.