Hustle fall to Wolves despite big games from Boatwright and Stockton

Kissimmee, Fla. – The Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ NBA G League affiliate, fell 123-114 to the Iowa Wolves inside HP Field House on Saturday night.

Box Score

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Memphis quickly jumped out to an 8-0 start to begin the game following a 3-pointer from Bennie Boatwright at the 9:55 mark in the first quarter. However, Iowa immediately responded to tie the game at 10-10 following a mini 8-2 run. Both teams traded baskets throughout the remainder of the quarter before Iowa grabbed a 28-24 advantage heading to the second. Iowa’s offense caught fire in the second period as the Wolves shot 70.6 percent from the field and a perfect 5-of-5 from 3-point range. Nine Iowa players scored in the second quarter while the Wolves stretched their lead to as many as 16 points at 50-34. The Wolves used their hot start shooting the ball to take a comfortable 65-55 lead into the halftime break.

The Hustle were able to trim the Wolves’ lead to just two points at 78-76 with 3:04 remaining in the third quarter after a 3-pointer from Shaq Buchanan. However, the Wolves quickly responded with eight-consecutive points to push their lead right back to 10 points. After trailing 98-83, The Hustle were able to cut the lead to just 103-99 with 5:43 to play in the fourth quarter following a 16-5 run. But the strong night shooting from the Wolves would prove too much to overcome as the Hustle would never get closer than four points for the remainder of the game. The Hustle entered the night leading the NBA G League in defensive rating, but the Wolves became just the second team to shoot over 50 percent from the floor against Memphis this season.

David Stockton finished with a team-high 22 points (9-16 FG, 3-6 3P) to go with six assists, three steals and a rebound in 28 minutes. Boatwright tallied 21 points and eight rebounds while knocking down 5-of-11 from 3-point range. Ahmad Caver posted his first double-double of the season with 16 points, 11 assists and two rebounds in 31 minutes off the bench. Shaq Buchanan pitched in 12 points, two rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes. Sean McDermott added 16 points, four rebounds and four assists as Memphis dropped to (3-8).

Isaiah Briscoe led with Wolves with 26 points, three assists and three rebounds in 36 minutes. Canyon Barry totaled 22 points, five assists and four rebounds on 4-of-9 shooting. Twelve of Barry’s points came from the free-throw line. Lindell Wigginton chipped in 18 points, five assists and two rebounds. Charlie Brown Jr. added 16 points and four rebounds to help Iowa to their first win of the season.

The Hustle return to action on Monday, Mar. 1, against the Agua Caliente Clippers at 6 p.m. CT inside AdventHealth Arena. Fans can watch the game on GrindCityMedia.com.