The defending NBA Development League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers won their sixth-straight game for the third time in franchise history by beating the Erie Bayhawks 124-106 Wednesday at the South Padre Island Convention Centre in the final game of day three of the NBA Development League Showcase. Jeff Adrien continued his hot play for the Vipers (13-7), recording his eighth double-double in 11 games with 20 points and a career-high 16 rebounds (eight offensive) and four blocks. The Vipers jumped out to a 26-13 lead after a pair of two-handed slams by Adrien. The Vipers led 33-22 after the first quarter, but the Bayhawks (14-7) opened the second quarter on an 11-0 run to tie the game. Mouhammad Faye ended the run at the 8:32 mark with a slam dunk. The Vipers opened the third quarter on a 16-4 run to build a 74-53 lead, capped off by a three-pointer by Jerel McNeal. Former-Viper Garrett Temple hit a free throw to end the run at the 7:29 mark. The Vipers outscored the Bayhawks 34-25 in the quarter to take a 91-74 lead. McNeal led the Vipers with 27 points, hitting 3-of-4 shots from behind the arc to go with five rebounds and seven assists while Richard Roby scored 27 points with six rebounds and Mustafa Shakur scored 21 points with seven rebounds and five assists. The Vipers hit 8-of-19 shots (42.1%) from behind the arc while the Bayhawks hit 2-of-16 (12.5%). The Bayhawks were led by former-Viper Ivan Johnson (2007-08 season), who scored 25 points with five rebounds. Temple finished with five points, eight rebounds and five assists. The Vipers return to action on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at State Farm Arena when they host the Maine Red Claws. It's College Night, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive spirit tags, courtesy of Academy Sports + Outdoors. Fans can donate four non-perishable food items at the door to benefit the Salvation Army toy drive to receive a free ticket. Fans can also purchase $1 hot dogs, popcorn and soda as well as $1.50 beers.
