Bakersfield Too Much for Shorthanded Energy

BAKERSFIELD TOO MUCH FOR SHORTHANDED ENERGY

Iowa Runs Out of Energy, Falls 98-85

BAKERSFIELD, CA, March 24, 2009 – The Bakersfield Jam used a 23-2 second half run to break open a close game and cruise to a 98-85victory over the visiting Iowa Energy Tuesday.

Iowa played the game without three regulars as Courtney Sims (called up to New York Knicks), Patrick Sanders (injury) and Denham Brown (injury) were not available for the game. The Energy led most of the first half, and took a 54-44 lead into the halftime break. Bakersfield began their comeback in the third quarter, and tied the score at 71 heading into the final period. The fourth quarter was all Jam, as they scored the first 15 points of the stanza and coasted to an easy victory.

Othyus Jeffers led the Energy with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Former Iowa State standout Curtis Stinson added 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Former Michigan State star Mateen Cleaves led Bakersfield with 21 points and 13 assists.

Iowa falls to 25-17 with the loss, and remains 2.5 games ahead of Dakota in the D-League’s Central Division. Bakersfield improves to 25-19 with the win.

The Energy travel to Reno for a game on Thursday before returning to Des Moines for a game on Saturday at 7pm vs. Ft. Wayne . Tickets for the game can be purchased at www.dahlstickets.com or by calling 515-462-2849.