The Iowa Energy overcame a slow start with a strong second half to defeat the Rio Grande Valley Vipers 123-106 in the first game of the NBA D-League finals Sunday night at State Farm Arena.
The Energy, which trailed 37-28 after the first quarter, outscored the Vipers 42-14 during a 15-minute span over the second and third quarters. After cutting the deficit to four points before halftime, Iowa began the second half with a 23-4 run to take control. Rio Grande Valley cut into Iowa's lead in the fourth quarter, pulling within four points before the Energy expanded their lead again in the closing minutes with a 12-0 run.
Iowa's Curtis Stinson recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds to lead all scorers, while Moses Ehambe chipped in 26 points and 6 rebounds for the Energy. This season, Ehambe averaged 11,6 points and 2,2 rebounds in the D-League.