The Lakeland Magic, NBA G League affiliate of the Orlando Magic, fell to the Rio Grande Vipers 95-93 at the RP Funding Center.
The Magic faced the Vipers for the third time in a row. The Vipers opened the game strong with three made shots from deep in the first three minutes. Magic guard Joel Ayayi had five first-quarter points helping the Magic tie up the first quarter at 27 each.
Game Photos by Tom Hagerty Click here
In the second quarter, the Magic had an equal scoring effort from guards Zavier Simpson and Ayai. They each provided 10 points at the end of the first half. The Magic led the Vipers 52-48.
The Magic started the second half with guard Jay Scrubb scoring the team’s first seven points. In the third quarter Vipers guard Josh Christopher fired off 10 points. Rio Grande Valley outscored Lakeland 29-22 leading by three at the end of the third quarter. To start the fourth quarter, the Magic went on a seven-to-zero run. The Vipers finished the game on an eight-to-zero run and got their ninth win in a row.
Christopher finished with a game-high of 22 points, seven assists, and four rebounds.
Joel Ayayi had 18 points off the bench for the Magic.
The Lakeland Magic (5-8) will face the Memphis Hustle on Tuesday, December 13 at the Landers Center at 8:00 PM on NBATV.