Over the last week, Frisco’s Texas Legends of the NBA’s D-League took two of three to move within a half game of third place in the Central Division.
W Texas Legends (12-7) Vs. Delaware 87ers (3-15)—112-108 @ Reno Events Center
The Texas Legends ended their stay in Reno, Nevada on a high note, as they outlasted the first-year Delaware 87ers. Once again, it was the Legends’ depth that provided the edge.
With just over 10 seconds remaining in regulation, the Legends found themselves tied with the 87ers 108-108 courtesy of a Lorenzo Brown layup. But then Damian Saunders‘ third and fourth personal fouls sent Devin Ebanks followed by Booker Woodfox to the charity stripe in succession. Both were perfect from the line, sending the Legends to their twelfth victory of the young season.
Once again, Devin Debanks (25pts, 12rbs) and Melvin Ely were dominant. Ely put together his second 30-plus point night in the last three games. Sammy Yeager (15pts) and Woodfox (19pts) came off the bench to score a combined 34 pts with four rebounds and an assist mixed in for good measure.
L Texas Legends (12-8) Vs. Rio Grande Valley Vipers (15-5)—131-122
After a long hiatus, the Texas Legends returned home to the friendly confines of Frisco’s The Dr. Pepper Arena. Awaiting the Legends was the Central Division leading Vipers of Rio Grande Valley.
The Vipers, the D-League’s leading team in points scored per game (124.6), played up to their first-place billing. They had two players record a double-double (G Gary Talton, and F Chris Johnson) and had four players total with 20 or more points.
But it took all of the offense they could muster as the Legends regained the lead at the close of the third quarter,up 93-86. A furious Vipers rally proved too much for Texas as Rio Grande Valley knocked down 45 fourth quarter points to secure the victory.
The Texas Legends were led by the D-League’s third-highest scorer, Devin Ebanks, who notched another double-double thanks to his 34 points and 16 rebounds. Forward Marcus Hubbard—in his first start with the Legends—had a huge game, with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Sixth man extraordinaire, Booker Woodfox, finished with 21 points.
W Texas Legends (13-8) @ Austin Toros (9-9)—114-105
The Legends took a three-point lead into halftime against their closest geographic rivals, the Austin Toros. A commanding third quarter provided enough of a cushion for Texas to cruise to their thirteenth victory at the Toro’s Cedar Park Center.
Six Legends scored in double-digits, with starters Melvin Ely (21pts), Devin Ebanks (21pts) and Terrel Harris (28pts) pacing the offense. Both Ely and Harris also grabbed double-digit rebounds.
Up Next for the Texas Legends
The Texas Legends travel to Hidalgo for a rematch with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Dodge Arena, this Friday, January 17. The tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. Next, it’s a quick turnaround back to the friendly confines of Frisco’s The Dr. Pepper Arena this Saturday for another chance to take down the Austin Toros at 8:00 PM ET. All Legends games can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home or office via their official YouTube channel.
