Memphis Hustle defeat Lakeland Magic in Showcase Cup opener

The Memphis Hustle, the NBA G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, defeated the Lakeland Magic 123-105 in the opening game of the Showcase Cup.

All nine Hustle players scored in double figures -- led by Justin Bean -- who had 22 points and eight rebounds on 8-of-10 shooting. Matthew Hurt added 21 points and six rebounds off the bench. The starting backcourt of Dakota Mathias (15 points, 11 assists) and Jacob Gilyard (11 points, 11 assists) posted double-doubles in their Hustle debuts. 

Zavier Simpson and Jay Scrubb led Lakeland with 19 points apiece. Drake Jeffries added 17 points and five rebounds off the bench and Joel Ayayi posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Memphis led 74-71 with 9:06 to play in the third quarter and ripped off a 15-2 run over the next 4:05, which was capped-off by a Romeo Weems 3-point jumper to extend the lead to 89-73 with 5:01 to play in the third. 

Bean scored 10 of his 22 points in the third quarter, which was highlighted by a step-back 3-pointer and an alley-oop dunk to bring the crowd to its feet. After the third quarter run, the Magic never got closer than nine points. Memphis limited Lakeland to just 44 points on 34.1% shooting in the second half. 

The Hustle shot 50% from the field and 39% from 3-point range. Memphis forced Lakeland into 22 turnovers leading to 21 points on the other end. The Hustle dished 36 assists and outshot the Magic 90% to 58.3% from the freethrow line. 

Single-game tickets for all regular season Hustle games are on sale now. Tickets start as low as $14 and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com or by calling (901) 888-HOOP. Additionally, all-inclusive floor seats and tables are still available for purchase, and the Hustle are accepting $50 deposits for groups of 10-or-more. 

For more information on the Memphis Hustle, visit memphishustle.com, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@MemphisHustle) or like Memphis Hustle on Facebook.