Legends fall short, lose to Vipers 115-104

The Legends came into Friday nights contest riding a three game winning streak, just having clinched a playoff berth.

Their opponent, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, sat one spot above them in the playoff chase. The winner would likely have the inside track to host a first round playoff series against the other.

And as you would expect, the intensity was great all night.

And midway through the final period, the game was up for grabs.

After a Duke Mondy three brought the score to 102-97 and forced a timeout from the Vipers, they unfortunately found a way to steady the ship.

A clutch Monte Morris three an and-one with a little over a minute would seal the deal, and Texas would fall, 115-104.

Warney would lead the Legends with 31 points and 9 rebounds. As for Rio Grande Valley, they were led by Former Georgia State standout R.J Hunter, with his somewhat famous father Ron watching court side.

The Legends were down several key pieces in the contest. And it showed early on the offensive end, where they struggled to score minus Motley and Jalen Jones.

“That is the challenge of this league.” Coach Zendon Hamilton said of all the roster turnover.

“With so much turnover, how do you still win? How do you still keep the kids engaged? How do you get your message across, when the message is to get out of here? That’s the challenge.”

They would eventually find their offensive rhythm though, in particular behind Jameel Warney in his Legends return. Warney was recently awarded his very first ten day contract with the Mavericks.

But as has been the case all season, the defense couldn’t catch up. The Legends trailed almost the entire contest, but were almost always within striking distance.

“We had a ton of shots that just wouldn’t fall.” Coach Z said of their inability to get over the hump.

But this isn’t the end for Texas. They have already clinched their playoff berth and are looking forward to doing some damage once they get there.

But they aren’t overlooking their final regular season game, either.

A simple “no” from Coach Hamilton sufficed when asked about them looking towards the postseason.

“It’s all about tomorrow night.”