Flash roll to win over Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Sparked by J.R. Giddens and Kosta Koufos, Utah outscored Bakersfield 30-13 in the fourth quarter on the way to a 108-92 NBA Development League victory over the Bakersfield Jam Tuesday at Rabobank Arena.

Giddens and Koufos combined for 20 of Utah's 30 points in the final period as the Flash notched a franchise record fifth consecutive victory and improved to 27-15 on the season. Leading the NBADL West Division, Utah returns to the McKay Events Center on Wednesday to host the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Bakersfield dipped to 25-22.

Morris Almond converted 8-of-10 field goal attempts and scored 23 points in 27 minutes for the Flash to lead all scorers. Koufos and Giddens finished with 21 and 18 points, respectively. Koufos, who also had 10 rebounds, made 7-of-7 field goal tries in the fourth period. Giddens also had eight rebounds and seven assists.

Ronald Dupree notched his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Kevin Kruger chipped in 11 for the Flash, who outrebounded Bakersfield 46-34. Eleven of 12 Flash players scored in the game.

"I like the way this team keeps playing together and refuses to quit," Flash coach Brad Jones said. "I am also proud that we turned it up a notch on defense in the fourth. When you limit players like Mateen Cleaves and Trey Johnson to one field goal each in a quarter, you have done a pretty good job."

Johnson and Cleaves had 21 points each for Bakersfield, who led 60-52 at the half. Derrick Byars contributed 20 for the Jam, while Nick Lewis had 12 and Justin Reed 10.