OKLAHOMA CITY – A shorthanded squad paired with a poor shooting second half cost the Austin Spurs on Thursday night, as they lost to the Oklahoma City Blue, 98-94.
Two-way players Matt Costello and Darrun Hilliard both did not play due to coaches decision, as the Spurs try to stay healthy for the upcoming playoff run.
Jaron Blossomgame scored nine points in the first quarter to give Austin the early advantage as the Blue shot just 1-for-7 from beyond the arc in the opening period.
Oklahoma City continued to struggle from the field in the second quarter as well, letting Austin push their lead up to 17 points before halftime.
Both teams came out of the locker room at halftime sluggish, but the Spurs still managed to extend their lead to 22 points before their offense collapsed entirely.
Austin’s nine point lead to end the third quickly diminished in the fourth quarter as the Blue duo of Alford and Johnson combined to score 16 points, matching the Spurs team total.
Despite their shooting struggles, Austin regained the lead with just three minutes remaining in the game, but Oklahoma City pounded the paint and hit the free throw line at will to grab the lead and secure the victory.
SPURS LEADERS
Jaron Blossomgame: 24 points, 7 rebounds
Derrick White: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Nick Johnson: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists
BLUE LEADERS
Dakari Johnson: 23 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists
Bryce Alford: 20 points, 2 rebounds
Rashawn Thomas: 15 points, 12 rebounds
HIGHLIGHTS
UP NEXT
Game #50 | Saturday, March 24th | 7:00 p.m. CT
Austin Spurs (31-18) vs. South Bay Lakers (28-20)
H-E-B Center at Cedar Park | Cedar Park, TX
