Rio Grande Valley Vipers vs. Reno Bighorns Playoffs Game 3 Preview

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 12:00 PM EDT in D-League Playoffs 2010 Comment 92 comments

The Vipers and Bighorns will play a deciding game three tonight, but it unfortunately will not be live on VERSUS.

The final game of the D-League playoffs first round tips off tonight, the deciding game three of the series between the #2 Rio Grande Valley Vipers and #6 Reno Bighorns, or as I like to call it, "Marcus Doesn't Play Here Anymore."* The game starts at 8:30 Eastern tonight, and you can watch it live on Futurecast.

Each team has won on the road in this series. RGV won the first game 110-94, a disjointed affair that saw Reno center Rod Benson dominate down low. Reno won last night 128- 126, a fast-paced game with an exciting finish that...saw Reno center Rod Benson dominate down low. Yes, there is a theme to this series.

There's a twist, though, as Houston's Mike Harris is expected to be assigned to the Vipers to play in tonight's game.

So with that in mind, there are some keys for tonight for each team after the jump.

Reno:

Take care of the ball - The Vipers have a total of 18 turnovers over the first two games of this series. The Bighorns, meanwhile, have racked up at least 18 turnovers in each contest. Reno was pretty careless with the ball in the first and fourth quarters last night, but they won anyway. They can't be certain that will happen again, though, and they need to be sure their passes are crisp, well-timed and well-placed - especially since this game is on the wrong end of a back-to-back.

Take Harris out of the game - This seems obvious with him coming down from the NBA and all, but Reno actually has the defenders to make this doable. Doug Thomas and Mo Charlo can combine to keep Harris in check (and Benson if Harris spends time on the block). Their biggest efforts will be needed in keeping Harris off the boards, however, as he automatically becomes RGV's best rebounder. Both Thomas and Charlo struggled a little bit in game two (Charlo jammed his finger blocking a shot and wasn't the same for the rest of the night), but they'll need to step up tonight.

Rio Grande Valley Vipers:

I don't really know what to say here. The Vipers' big men aren't suddenly going to become great rebounders overnight, which is the team's biggest problem in this series. They're not turning the ball over, and after a rough first quarter they actually shot the ball pretty well in game two. The guards are breaking down Reno's defense pretty effectively. So...hope Rod Benson gets in foul trouble, I guess? Hope that Reno coach Jay Humphries plays Yaroslav Korolev 35 minutes for some reason? Sorry folks, I got nothing.

This basically comes down to how much help Mike Harris can give them. If he's playing well, that should help make up for some of their other deficiencies and give them a real scoring option inside. If Reno is able to limit his effectiveness, then their perimeter players may feel even more pressure.

Basically, RGV's played decently in both of these games, so... they should keep it up and force Reno to play poorly. Now that's insightful.

*Both teams had Marcus Hubbard on their roster at some point this season, and both wisely traded him away.

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Read More: Rod Benson (F - IND), Marcus Hubbard (C - MIL), Yaroslav Korolev (F - LAC), Mike Harris (F - WAS), Doug Thomas (F - PHO)

Comments

I like seeing Reno attack the basket

At least one of the refs in tonight’s game is the same as game 1, so we might get a similar early FT discrepancy.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 8:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks like the DLeague assigned...

…their all-star officials for this game.

by Rumble on Apr 13, 2025 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was kind of hilarious.

Mike Harris saves the ball from going out of bounds, but it bounces off of Antonio Anderson’s head and goes out of bounds anyway.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 9:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ugh, Will Blalock

I was even going to try and not complain about him tonight.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 9:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RGV's guards are getting into foul trouble again.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 9:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I didn't see it

but ADB says Farmer intentionally tripped Jonathan Wallace. So that’s fun.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 9:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Farmer gets a technical and a flagrant

and Wallace also gets a technical…why?

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wallace

playing defense may have collided shins or legs with Farmer.. Farmer.. fell to ground stuck both his feet out and tripped Wallace like Shawn Michael’s using a drop toe hold… then dropped like 4 F bombs in the face of the officials.. I think he gets ejected in regular season game..

Alex Del Barrio
RGV Vipers

by vipersradio on Apr 13, 2025 9:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

At this point

I’m waiting for him to slap someone in the face, player or ref.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love Des.

I blog at Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

When you said 4 F

For some reason I thought you were alluding to Brock Lesnar’s finisher… Looked it up, though, and it’s called the F5.
2 wrestling move mentions in one comment ALMOST happened.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

F5?

Browser refresh?

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wrestling finishing move

ADB used it when he used to wrestle as the famed Mexican luchador “El Montículo Ronda de Rebote.”
Later, Brock Lesnar had success with it, except when he botched it everytime he tried it and nearly broke a lot of necks because he sucked at wrestling.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RGV 59, Reno 54 at halftime

Rod Benson has 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks and didn’t play most of the second q.
Doug Thomas has 12 points and five boards.

Mike Harris has been sluggish, but has 12 points and 6 boards.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 9:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Anything exciting I missed?

I was getting my Rod Benson on at the Y.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Other than the aforementioned tussle?

RGV came back and took the lead with Antonio Anderson on the bench, so that’s kind of interesting, but otherwise not really.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thing that's went unmentioned

What’s up with Cezary Trybanski?

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just looked

and he absolutely BEASTED at the end of the regular season.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Musselman alluded to it last night

but RGV’s a bad matchup for him. Their bigs are too quick. He had a few blocks in the first game, but otherwise looked a step or two slow. Thomas did pretty well in the middle at the end of the half.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fans booing when Des Farmer touches the ball

=AWESOME.

I blog at Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

As Jonah Goldberg put it earlier

“can you believe this guy used to be a fan favorite here.”
ADB: “Uh…”

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And that's 4 for Anderson

they haven’t really needed him so far, but that might hurt later on.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

E3 Scott?

Ernest hurt, ineffective or in the way tonight?

by Rumble on Apr 13, 2025 10:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Defensive liability

Could also be hurt, though.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RGV is a defensive liability unto itself...

…thanks for the G2 on E3…he be no factor for 3/4 of the game and then hit four 3s in a row…

by Rumble on Apr 13, 2025 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not if he fouls everytime he's on the court..

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Harris replaced him in the starting lineup

then was mostly ineffective when he played. Asumnu and Melzer both have been decent in his place.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Scott was mostly ineffective

though Harris did start off shooting 2-9.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Would Hack-A-Boom-Tho

Be a bad idea?

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It wouldn't be terrible

they have a little more frontcourt depth now. I think there are better strategies, though, like letting Blalock and Strawberry go a combined 2-7.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus Rod's actually 100% from the line tonight...

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now doubling Farmer

is an excellent idea. Force him to make tough passes, which he’s not very good at.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Force him to pass

Which he hates.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm actually not sure that's true

but a lot of the time he doesn’t decide to pass until it’s too late and his teammates aren’t expecting it.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ADB HATES Des

But likes Rod. He’s the anti-Musselman.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm laughing at how much he's killing Farmer.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here it comes again.

I would almost consider taking Farmer out for as much as he bitches at his teammates.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm waiting for the moment when Farmer gives up

because it’s always very obvious and a very specific moment.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was checking the stats...

Glad to see Reno is staying true to form by turning the ball over 2x more…

by Rumble on Apr 13, 2025 10:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

But they are out-assisting RGV

Which is tough to expect considering they start 9 point guards.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wallace has been more of a scorer tonight than a distributor.

Nine points, zero assists.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reno's perimeter defense

Umm, where is it?

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

They haven't had much for most of the series

They don’t close out on shooters all that well, and neither Blalock nor Frahm are great man defenders.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think that's the third turnover in this game

caused by someone stepping on the sideline.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I liked the fan calling the travel as soon as he heard the whistle...

I hate stupid fans.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nicholas Buchert

I know you’ll be reading this, so I wanted to let you know that I thought you just missed two fouls on Rod Benson.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rod had 30 and 19

Or something like that… and DJ Strawberry was the player of the game yesterday according to the Doctor Professor…

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Strawberry did play very well off the bench

but no, I wouldn’t have picked him.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't watch

But I trusted you and the stats, both of which told me Boom Tho 4 MVP.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Strawberry

was best player on floor last night.. and had game winning shot..

Alex Del Barrio
RGV Vipers

by vipersradio on Apr 13, 2025 10:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't believe you.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Today

differen’t story… when you can dominate boards because you are six inches taller with long freakin arms… and Sensley plays on perimeter… its pretty easy to get 20 rebounds.

Alex Del Barrio
RGV Vipers

by vipersradio on Apr 13, 2025 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glad you figured out the reply function

But you replied to the wrong one.
Good thing the Rockets decided Mike Harris needed some development time, huh?

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Development...

He’s not getting playoff experience in Houston…

Alex Del Barrio
RGV Vipers

by vipersradio on Apr 13, 2025 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And he's the only thing keeping RGV in the playoffs in Hidalgo

I guess it’s all good.

I blog at Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your opinion…

Alex Del Barrio
RGV Vipers

by vipersradio on Apr 13, 2025 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're right

I’m sure if he wasn’t there, this was going to be the game Julian Sensley stepped up to score 37 and grab 11 boards.

I blog at Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That such a BS argument.. considering we won game 1 on the road and led in the final minute.. and the GW basket by Reno should have been an offensive foul.. according to the person you believe Will Conroy…. LAWYERED!!

Alex Del Barrio
RGV Vipers

by vipersradio on Apr 13, 2025 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Jonah's argument more

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boom Tho

is the MVP of series… win or lose however…

Alex Del Barrio
RGV Vipers

by vipersradio on Apr 13, 2025 10:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RGV has scored a fair amount

pulling up in front of Benson at the elbow.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Truth

Can’t really fault him for that, though. He almost has to stay glued to the post because he’s the only real help defender.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I think it has more to do with the zone/whatever defense they’re running. Harris just did the same thing to Doug Thomas.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Personally

I wouldn’t put Korolev on Winder, but what do I know.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Is it just me

Or does it seem like Harris is really developing in this game?

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He certainly looks better now than he did at the beginning.

Does that count?

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by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Pretty sure Des Farmer is done. I think it was when his pass to Frahm got stolen before he sat on the bench the last time.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Haha

I was going to comment on that. That defensive effort give it away for you, too?

I blog at Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was more the look on his face

and his walking up the court rather than jogging.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Paging Richie Frahm

Richie Frahm.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I can't even pretend to be shocked

that Humphries is leaving someone on the bench for too long.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ernie Scott is amazing

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Remember than Rod Benson guy?

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 10:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Again

I don’t know that I’d put Korolev on Antonio Anderson, but I’ve never coached before.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 11:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I must sound like I hate Humphries

when I don’t…he just has some flaws which have been glaring in this series.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He has fllaws that are glaring in most series...

…just sayin’. Of course, he’s coaching in the playoffs this year while Stamps sit…wasn’t always the case tho.

by Rumble on Apr 13, 2025 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd take Bob, or Joel, or Randy, or B-Gates, or Larry K

Over Jay.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would take your great Aunt and the kid that delivers your newspaper...

…over Jay.

Just don’t want to sound bitter because he/Reno finally got it done this year.

by Rumble on Apr 13, 2025 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My great aunt just died last week

And I’d actually take their assistant coach, even though I can’t remember his name. He bought myself and ADB dinner in Boise this year.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My condolences...

…although I still think I would take her over Jay.

Buying dinner for bloggers and radio men should be the quickest way to a head coaching job…

by Rumble on Apr 13, 2025 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

It was at Old Chicago… He was discussing with Coach Coffino a trade that involved Korolev for Hubbard, I believe - and it happened two months later.

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by Scott Schroeder on Apr 13, 2025 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I mean I don't think he's terrible

It seems to be more of a philosophical thing where he wants guys on the floor to play their way out of trouble. And honestly, a low-key, “unflappable” coach on a team with Desmon Farmer isn’t a bad idea. I just think he doesn’t have the best sense of when to change things up on the court when things aren’t working.

But maybe I’m misreading things.

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Apr 13, 2025 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs