Energy downs Mad Ants...again

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The Iowa Energy continued their dominance of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants tonight by earning a hard fought 120-110 victory at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

The Mad Ants charged out of the gate well and took a 28-21 after the first quarter. The Mad Ants took the lead by pounding the glass and playing some stifling defense. Iowa shot 30 percent and were outrebounded by the Mad Ants 19-10 for the quarter. Rob Kurz was a big reason for the early lead, as he scored 8 points and had 7 rebounds.

Iowa became untracked in the second quarter and took a three point into halftime due to Courtney Sims strong inside play. He had 9 points for the quarter and carved a strong inside presence for the Energy. Iowa continued their strong play into the early third quarter and pushed their lead to 14 points by going on a 15-4 run. The Mad Ants answered their run with one of their own and took a one point lead off of a three pointer from Rashad Anderson.

The game would go back and forth until three minutes were left in the game and Curtis Stinson hit a 22 foot jumper and Othyus Jeffers took a missed lay up from the Mad Ants down the court and converted his own lay up attempt to push the lead to 7. The Energy closed the game from there and walked away with a 10 point victory.

The Energy have become the best team in the D-League by playing unselfish, balanced basketball, and that was on full display tonight. Iowa had seven players in double figures and were led by Curtis Stinson who scored 23 points with 12 assists and had an outstanding floor game down the stretch. Earl Barron contributed 23 points and 9 rebounds, and Jeff Trepagnier added 19 points for the win.

The Mad Ants were led by Rob Kurz who scored 26 points and took down 14 rebounds for the Ants. Rashad Anderson chipped in 23 points, and Oliver Lafayette contributed 21 points and 11 assists.

Iowa heads to Erie to play the BayHawks on Wednesday night. The Mad Ants are back in action February 9th at home against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.