– FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Justin Brownlee’s floating jump shot with 18 seconds left to play in the third period whipped through the net, giving the Maine Red Claws an 83-81 lead entering the final quarter. The Red Claws led the rest of the way for a 115-109 victory over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants during NBA Developmental League play.
Brownlee started the last period with a layup and then converted a pair of free throws after Dominic Calegari’s bank shot for an 88-81 Maine lead. The teams traded baskets until jump shots by Fort Wayne’s Darnell Lazare and Gilbert Brown pulled the Mad Ants to within one possession, 99-96 with 4:15 to play.
Lawrence Hill countered with a 3-pointer to begin a 12-4 run that gave the Red Claws a 111-100 lead with 54 seconds left. Hill also made a jump shot during the run. Courtney Pigram drained a 3-pointer and Paul Harris and Kenny Hayes two free throws apiece.
Kenney Hayes finished with 26 points, and Morris Almond 20, to lead seven Maine players in double digits. Lazare led Fort Wayne with 31 points and 11 rebounds. Cameron Jones complemented Lazare with 28 points.
The win improves Maine’s record to 11-17 and puts the Red Claws in sole possession of sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Mad Ants, tied with Maine entering the game, drop to 10-18 and seventh place in the East.
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