VIPERS TOPPED BY LAKERS

Edinburg, Texas (Feb. 22, 2023) – The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (9-11), the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, suffered a 99-125 loss against the South Bay Lakers (14-7) on Thursday night at Bert Ogden Arena. 

South Bay opened up the quarter by going on a 6-0 run. Then, with 5:26 to go the Lakers were up by 10 points with a score of 18-8. The visiting team kept the momentum going and ended up with a 30-19 lead at the end of the first. 

During the second quarter the Vipers were determined to turn things around. With less than seven minutes to go the Vipers went on a 10-0 run and cut the Lakers lead by four points and a score of 36-32. RGV then went on another scoring streak as the team went on a 6-0 run which set the score at 45-42 in favor of the Lakers. South Bay managed to maintain its lead and sent the game into halftime with a score of 49-42.  

As the third and fourth quarter progressed, South Bay increased its lead and walked away with a 125-99 victory. 

Josh Reaves led the Vipers with 16 points. Ray Spalding, Jarrett Culver and Mustapha Heron finished the night with 14 points each. Jalen Lecque and Cassius Stanley put up 13 points each. Trhae Mitchell posted 13 rebounds. 

Javante McCoy led the Lakers with 24 points. Nate Pierre-Louis finished the night with 18 points followed by Cole Swider with 17 points. Los Angeles Lakers assignment Max Christie and Fabian White Jr. each scored 14 points. Shaquille Harrison contributed 12 points to the team. 

The Vipers return to the court on Saturday, Feb. 25 as the team takes on the Texas Legends at 7:30 p.m. at Comerica Center. Fans can stream the game via the www.NBAGLeague.com website. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.rgvipers.com.