PORTLAND, Maine — The Maine Red Claws struggled to score in the third quarter and fell to the Iowa Energy 123-106 in NBA D-League action Friday night.
James Ennis led all scorers with 30 points and 13 rebounds for the Energy.
Maine (28-17) was led by Levi Randolph, who recorded career highs with 28 points and 15 rebounds. Malcolm Miller continued his strong play with 23 points, and Omari Johnson added a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
It was a back and forth start to the game. Johnson broke an 18-all tie with a 3pointer, and Coron Williams made a jumper late in the game. The Red Claws held a 26-24 lead after one quarter. In the second, the Claws started on a 6-0 run, then traded baskets back-and-forth. At the end of the half, Maine led Iowa, 60-58.
The Energy (21-23) outscored the Red Claws 67-46 in the second half, but it was the third quarter that really stood out for Iowa. Maine struggled to score in the third, putting up 17 points. James Ennis and D.J. Stephens traded buckets for Iowa, as the Energy pulled away from the Claws.
Maine shot 51.3 percent from the floor (39-76) but just 35.5 percent from downtown (11-31). Iowa shot 51.1 percent (46-90) and 48.3 percent from three-point range (14-29). The Red Claws outrebounded the Energy 44-37.