Texas Border Business
TENERIFE, Spain – The Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, fell 70-91 to Sao Paulo on Friday night during the first semi-final game of the 2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Santiago Martin Arena in San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife (Spain).
Jalen Lecque scored the first basket of the game, but after that it was a tight race between both teams. At one point the game was tied 16-16. Sao Paulo then pulled away on a 4-0 run which gave the team a 20-16 lead over the Vipers. Sao Paulo then went on to score four more points while only allowing the Vipers to score two points which sent the game into the second quarter with a 24-18 lead for Sao Paulo.
Sao Paulo opened up the second half by going on a 9-0 run which gave the team a 33-18 lead with less than six minutes to go. Sao Paulo continued to extend its lead throughout the quarter as the team scored 13 more points and only allowed the Vipers to score 12 points which allowed the team to walk away with a 46-30 lead at the half.
Despite the Vipers efforts to come back in the third and fourth quarter, the team was unable to come back and fell 70-91 to Sao Paulo.
Shawn Occeus led the Vipers with 17 points. Cassius Stanley put up 13 points. Jarrett Culver reached a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Jalen Lecque scored 10 points.
The Vipers continue its run in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup on Sunday, Feb. 12 as the team looks to capture a third-place finish against the winner between Lenovo Tenerife and US Monastir. Tip-off time is to be determined. For more information visit www.rgvipers.com.
About the RGV Vipers and NBA G League
The four-time champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers are the NBA G League affiliate of the NBA Houston Rockets. The Vipers won the NBA G League Championship in 2010, 2013, 2019 and 2022. In 2013, the Vipers were also named the NBA G League Development Champions, which recognized the team that best embodies the NBA G League’s goals of developing NBA-caliber basketball talent via call-ups and assignments. The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, training and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 30 teams, 28 with direct affiliations to NBA franchises for 2023-23, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. A record 47 percent of all players on 2022-23 NBA opening night rosters boasted NBA G League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA Cares programs.
