Memphis bullies past Texas In OT thriller

Credit: Texas Legends

The Texas Legends (2-4) erased a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime but got beat to the seven-point mark by the Memphis Hustle (5-0) 119-114.   

Memphis took the early lead and stayed in control for most of the first, finding a double-digit edge midway through behind a Dakota Mathias three.  Texas responded with a 15-2 run to take control and Todd Withers slammed the final basket to give the home team a 31-30 advantage after one.  The game stayed within a basket for most of the second, with the lead changing hands five times.  Memphis pulled away late in the quarter with a 12-2 run and went into the break up 64-56.   

Texas faced a double-digit gap for most of the third and started the final quarter down 14.  Yudai Baba and Tyler Dorsey went to work, combining for 21 points with a Dorsey layup forcing overtime in the final seconds.  Texas struggled from the line, hitting a season low 62% while Memphis knocked down 94%.  The race to seven came down to two makes at the line from Kenny Lofton Jr. to keep the Hustle undefeated.      

Dorsey announced his return with a 30-point near triple-double (7 rebounds, 8 assists) performance off the bench.  All five Legends starters finished with double digits led by Yudai Baba with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.  Josh Nzeakor added 15 points, 8 rebounds, while Tyler Hall and Amauri Hardy grabbed 14 points apiece.  Taze Moore ended up at 12 points, 5 rebounds, and Todd Withers grabbed a team-high 10 boards off the bench. 

Jake LaRavia and Lofton combined for 50 points, 17 rebounds.