The Los Angeles D-Fenders held off the Bakersfield Jam pulling out a 93-87 win Saturday night. After the Jam snapped the D-Fenders seven game winning streak on Friday, the D-Fenders redeemed themselves bringing in their 18th win in 20 games.
Guard Orien Greene was named player of the game after finishing with 18 points, two rebounds and two assists. Guard Elijah Millsap also help carry the load, finishing with a double-double. He had 18 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and three steals.
The D-Fenders wasted no time, grabbing the lead early in the second quarter. The D-Fenders extended their lead to as many as 24 points, and didn’t trail for the remainder of the game. They entered the half leading the Jam by 17 points. Unfortunately, the third quarter was a different story. The D-Fenders struggled with turnovers and fouls allowing the Jam to cut the D-Fenders lead to only three. Tempers flared in the third quarter, leading to head coach Eric Mussleman receiving two technical fouls, and being ejected from the game. The Jam then went on to outscore the D-Fenders 28-15.
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In the fourth quarter the D-Fenders stepped up big, holding the Jam to 36.8 percent shooting from the field. Their offense picked up as well, as forward Otis George posted a double-double, finishing the game with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Kareem Rush added 13 points and five rebounds, while Christian Eyenga racked up 10 points and eight rebounds.
As for the Jam, center Brian Butch led his team posting up a double-double. Butch ended the game with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Guard Travis Leslie added 11 points and six rebounds, while forwards Renaldo Major and Adrian Thomas contributed 11 points each.
Almost letting this win slip through their fingers, the D-Fenders were resilient in letting this win go. And although they were outscored by 13 points in the third quarter they finished the game holding the Jam on 36.5 percent shooting. The D-Fenders also failed to give the Jam a playoff spot for now. With this win the D-Fenders improve to 35-12, while the Jam fall to 27-19.
The loss to the Jam on Friday marked the end of the third win streak of seven games or more for the D-Fenders this season. Prior to the 2011-12 season, the longest win streak in franchise history for the D-Fenders was six games. With this win over the Jam the D-Fenders can breathe easy for now before they take on the Reno Bighorns on Wednesday for their final home game of the season.
The D-Fenders only have three games left and look to end the regular season strong. The D-Fenders will enter the playoffs having home court advantage throughout the post-season.