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.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
