NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Barrett leads Flame to comeback win over RimRockers

February 7, 2006 - NBA G League (G League)
Florida Flame News Release


ESTERO, Fla., February 7 - Andre Barrett knew it was his time to shine on Tuesday night as the Florida Flame struggled through the first three quarters against the Arkansas RimRockers. The second-year point guard who spent the 2004-05 NBA season with Houston and Orlando poured in 30 points, along with eight rebounds and seven assists to spark the Florida Flame to a 101-91 come-from-behind win at Germain Arena.

Barrett registered 14 points in the final period to lead the Flame's comeback effort as Florida (19-10) outscored the Arkansas 28-16 in the fourth to earn its third straight win and team-record seventh straight at home. Florida now owns a one-and-a-half game lead over the Fort Worth Flyers (17-11) for the top spot in the NBA Development League standings.

The RimRockers (14-16) suffered their third straight loss overall and third in three meetings with Florida this season.

"Andre is a huge factor in our success right now," said Flame Head Coach Jeff Malone. "As this season has progressed, he has asserted himself more and more as the leader of this club. Tonight's performance in the fourth quarter was evidence of that."

Trailing 75-73 after three quarters, Florida turned to Barrett on offense. Following a Harvey Thomas jumper and Austin Nichols lay-in that tied the game at 77-apiece with 10:53 remaining, Barrett continued the spurt with five consecutive baskets. An 18-foot jumper, a 19-footer and a lay-in from Barrett gave the Flame a three-point lead, 83-80, with 9:42 to play. Following an Arkansas timeout, Barrett remained red-hot, connecting for another 19-foot jumper and then was fouled on a lay-up and hit the ensuing free throw with 8:13 to go, propelling Florida to an 88-82 advantage.

The RimRockers responded with a 6-2 mini-spurt and closed the gap to two points, at 90-88 on a Jackson lay-in with 5:14 on the clock. After Wright connected for a 19-footer that boosted the lead back to four points for the Flame, Roberts hit one of two free throws to bring Arkansas within three points at 92-89.

But that's as close as the RimRockers would get. Wright hit a 17-foot pull-up and Duane Erwin drained a jump hook in the lane to build the lead back to seven points, 96-89, with 1:21 left. Barrett's lay-in and free throw along with Wright's two free throws iced the game for Florida in the final minute.

Three players scored in double figures for Florida. Along with Barrett's and Wright's game-high 30 points, Nichols tallied 10 points in the win.

The RimRockers had four players in double figures. Along with Roberts' 29 points and Jackson's 25 points, Donta Smith hit for 13, and Anthony Roberson scored 10 points in the loss.

The Flame continue their five-game homestand this Thursday, February 9, as they open a back-to-back set with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds at 7 p.m. ET at Germain Arena. The RimRockers will return to action on Saturday, February 11 on the road against the Fayetteville Patriots. Tip-off is 7:30 p.m. ET at the Crown Coliseum.

For additional information, please visit floridaflame.com or contact Florida Flame Director of Media Relations, Tim Becwar at (239) 561-8130 and tbecwar@floridaflame.com. For additional information on the NBA Development League please visit NBADLEAGUE.com.

• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...

NBA G League Stories from February 7, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central