The Texas Legends (4-1) forged a fourth quarter rally that fell short in the final seconds to take their first loss at the Memphis Hustle (2-1) 100-106.
The first half stayed close with 10 lead changes in two quarters. Memphis broke away in the third, taking their largest lead of the night (+15) midway through. Texas fought back and broke the double-digit barrier with two minutes left in the third, using an 8-2 run to make it 77-82 at the buzzer. The visitors regained the lead for the first time in the half with just under four minutes to play, but Grizzlies’ assignee Sam Merrill responded with eight straight to seal the game for the home team.
Carlik Jones led all scorers with 30 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Yudai Baba had a game-high 13 rebounds to go with 12 points. Feron Hunt finished with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals off the bench, and JaQuori McLaughlin added 10 points, 3 rebounds.
Memphis managed 17 blocks and was the first team to out-rebound the Legends, grabbing 60 boards to Texas’ 54. Merrill finished 10-of-15 for 25 points, 5 rebounds, and a game-high 6 assists. Yves Pons came off the bench for 15 points, 11 rebounds joined in double-double status by Grizzlies’ Santi Aldama with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Freddie Gillespie had a game-high 6 blocks added to 10 rebounds, 6 points.
The two teams will run it back this Thursday at 7pm CT. Fans can catch all the action live at www.TexLegends.com.