In the League: March 5, 2009

by ben.renz on Mar 5, 2009 1:38 AM EST Comment 0 comments

Colorado 113, Austin 106 - This was a goody. Two of the top teams in the league grinding it out and it didn't disappoint, but in the end Colorado managed to capitalize off the 22 Toros turnovers (that has a nice ring to it). I'm giving one Dominique Coleman my NOD OF THE NIGHT. Coleman had 17 points (7 for 10 shooting), 7 boards, 10 dimes, 2 steals, and just one turnover in 36 minutes. I've been really impressed with this guy lately. He's becoming the go-to guy for the 14ers and there aren't many leaders more able in this league. Josh Davis had a usual impressive game with 29 minutes and 7 rebounds and Trey Gilder came off the bench for the 14ers to add 10 boards and 2 blocks (his 3 for 11 shooting isn't quite as positive, however). The Toros did put up a fight though. Marcus Williams was just as brilliant as ever with 31 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 blocks (tell me why this guy is still in the D-League). Despite his 7 turnovers (funny), Ezra Williams looked good with 23 and 11 boards and Carldell "Squeaky" Johnson had a solid night with 19 points, 6 dimes and 4 nice robberies. I'd love to see more matchups like this one. Both teams came to play, but Austin could have easily won this one if they had just toned down the turnovers.
Anaheim 112, Fort Wayne 107 - Fort Wayne continues their losing ways, and to a team they have the talent to beat no less (the "Flight"-less Arsenal). The Ants shot a paltry 42% and were outrebounded 57-35 along with not being able to capitalize on the 17 Anaheim TO's. Cedric Bozeman had a near trip-dub with 22 points, 16 boards and 8 assists. Kedrick Brown was close as well with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 6 dimes. The Arsenal's Marcus Campbell also had 20 and 9 boards in the win. Chris Hunter had a decent game for the Ants, with 32 points (14 from FT, perfect from the line - nice to see from the big guy) but Bozeman bossed him around on the glass and he only picked up half of what Bozey pulled down. Carl Elliott was a mess. This kid's in a slump and it's a damn shame. It took Elliott 7 shots to get 2 points and this performance didn't get coach Jaren Jackson to pull him out and stick in seldom used guard Jarred Axon. Jackson needs to shake up this rotation (I think he's been shaking it up plenty already! No one seems to even have an idea of how many minutes they'll get each night... Interesting coaching strategy from JJ -- Scott). Walker Russell was his normal self with 18 points and 8 assists, but it wasn't enough, and the Ants lost yet another one to a mediocre team.