VIPERS HOLD OFF SIOUX FALLS IN 118-111 VICTORY

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Jan. 30, 2024) – The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (11-2), the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, obtained a 118-111 victory against the Sioux Falls Skyforce (10-3) on Tuesday night at Sanford Pentagon. 

RGV held a 13-11 lead with 6:55 left in the quarter, but Sioux Falls quickly took over the lead and sent the game into the second quarter with a score of 39-30. 

Sioux Falls started off with the upper hand in the second quarter, but with less than seven minutes to go the Vipers tied the game 43-43. RGV then ran away with the lead, but not for long as the Skyforce came from behind and took back a 63-60 lead. 

The third quarter tipped off with a Vipers 11-5 run which led the visiting team to take back a 71-68 lead. After that, RGV remained on top and closed off the third quarter with a 92-84 advantage. 

In the fourth quarter Sioux Falls turned up the heat and inched closer to the lead, but in the end the Vipers held off Sioux Falls and pulled away with a 118-111 win. 

Ray Spalding finished with a double-double with a career-high 30 points and 13 rebounds. Also, with a double-double were Darius Days with 17 points and 10 rebounds and Jalen Lecuque with 17 points and 10 assists. Trhae Mitchell finished the game with 15 points. Shawn Occeus and Matthew Mayer also finished in double digits with 12 and 11 points, respectively. 

Miami Heat assignee Orlando Robinson led Sioux Falls with a double-double with 34 points and 13 rebounds. Miami Heat Two-Way Cole Swider contributed 25 points followed by Jamaree Bouyea with 16 points. 

Both teams will face off against each other on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m. CST at Sanford Pentagon. The game may be streamed via ESPN+. For more information visit www.rgvipers.com.