Flash lose lead, game at Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. — Dontell Jefferson scored 18 points and Kevin Lyde had a double-double as the Dakota Wizards erased an 18-point Utah lead on the way to a 96-84 NBA Development League victory over the Flash at the Bismarck Civic Center Friday night.

Utah dipped to 12-9 with the loss and stays on the road to visit the Sioux Falls Skyforce Saturday evening.

Neither team shot well from the floor, with the Flash converting just 39 percent (32-81) and the Wizards 35 percent (28-79). The scoring difference in the game came at the free-throw line, where Dakota outscored the Flash by 21. The Wizards made 35-of-48 free throw attempts. Utah made 14-of-18.

Utah built an 18-point lead in the first half before going into the intermission leading 47-41. Dakota outscored the Flash 30-19 in the third period to take a 71-66 advantage after three quarters.

"We came out with a lot of energy and played well in the first half," Flash head coach Brad Jones said. "We let a ton of opportunities slip away in the second half."

Andre Ingram came off the Flash bench to score 16, followed by Brian Hamilton with 14 points. Kevin Kruger had 12 points and nine assists, while Britton Johnsen and Lamar Rice scored 10 each for Utah.