FRISCO – The Austin Spurs get to start their All-Star break on a high note, after an impressive third quarter comeback lifted the silver and black to a 95-91 win over the Texas Legends on Wednesday night.
Leading the way for the Austin Spurs was the duo of Deshaun Thomas and Keifer Sykes, as the two combined for 40 points and nine rebounds. Walter Tavares, on assignment from the Atlanta Hawks, added in a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds, while Demetri McCamey chipped in 12 points, three rebounds and three assists off the bench.
For the Legends, six players scored in double figures led by Patrick Miller’s 20 points and seven rebounds in 29 minutes. Tu Holloway and Toure’ Murry scored 15 and 14 points respectively.
“I played good, I just wanted to help the team the best way I can,” Miller said after the game. “[I] come off the bench and bring energy for us, and just try to get the win, but we [weren’t] able to get the win tonight.”
The Spurs came out of the gate with a strong effort defensively, holding the Legends to just 14 first quarter points. But Patrick Miller and Steven Pledger would spark a 13-2 run to begin the second quarter, eventually giving the Legends a 44-36 halftime lead.
In the second half, the Spurs would put up a staggering 38 points, one point short of a season high for points in a quarter, thanks in part to Keifer Sykes dropping 12 of his 20 points in the quarter. Texas would eventually storm back, cutting Austin’s lead down to one with 1:30 left in the game, but the Spurs would let their free throw shooting lift them to victory.
The Austin Spurs now head into the All-Star break with a 20-11 record, good for second in the Western Conference. Though Keifer Sykes, Cady Lalanne and Ken McDonald don’t get much of a vacation as they head to Toronto for the All-Star festivities, the rest of the Spurs can rest easy and enjoy almost a full week off.
Austin’s next game will take place on Tuesday, February 16th against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (16-15). Tipoff is at 7 PM CST from the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo.
