Hustle hand Vipers first Showcase Cup loss

The Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ NBA G League affiliate, defeated the Rio Grande Valley Vipers 116-92 on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at Landers Center.  

Jarrett Culver recorded 26 points, including 16 in the third quarter, and 11 rebounds while Freddie Gillespie tied the franchise record with 19 rebounds to hand the Vipers their first loss of the Showcase Cup. 

Reggie Hearn was a spark off the bench with 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and two blocks for the Hustle, who improved to 5-4 in the Showcase Cup.

Daishen Nix and Christian Vital paced Rio Grande Valley with 22 points each. Tyler Bey posted a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. 

The Hustle held the Vipers to 33 percent shooting, including 29 percent from 3-point range. Memphis outscored Rio Grande Valley 35-16 in the fourth quarter while limiting them to 21 percent shooting to seal the victory.

The Hustle look to sweep their two-game series against Rio Grande Valley at Landers Center on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m.