Utah Flash: Iowa Energy too much for Flash

DES MOINES, Iowa — A trio of Iowa Energy players recorded double-doubles as the Energy defeated the Utah Flash, 107-101, in NBA Development League action Sunday at Wells Fargo Arena.

Iowa improved to 7-1 with its third consecutive victory. Utah lost its second straight and dropped to 5-7. The Flash finishes a four-game road swing at Tulsa on Tuesday.

Courtney Sims scored 36 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead the Energy. The University of Michigan product converted 13-of-18 field goal attempts and 10-of-11 from the free throw line to lead all scorers. Othyus Jeffers scored 17 and collected 11 boards, while former Flashman Curtis Stinson scored 11 and dished out 11 assists for Iowa.

Iowa built a 49-44 halftime lead before Utah battled back to take a 77-76 advantage at the end of the third quarter. The Flash led by as many as eight points in the third quarter, but couldn't hold on playing shorthanded. Boston Celtics assignee and Flash leading scorer and rebounder J.R. Giddens did not play due to a nagging wrist injury.

Gavin Grant led Flash scorers with 21 points in just his second professional start. Dontell Jefferson followed with 20 points. Celtics assignee Bill Walker scored 19 and had eight rebounds, while Andre Ingram came off the Utah bench for score 12.

The Flash returns home on Jan. 2 to host the Austin Toros.