Tahoe Onstage photos by Tony Contini
The Reno Bighorns are sharpening up for the NBA G League Playoffs and will battle in the Western Conference semifinal game on Tuesday, April 3, at the Reno Events Center, facing the South Bay Lakers. The contest will tip-off at 6:05 p.m. on ESPNU.
The Bighorns ended the 2017-18 regular season with a 29-21 record, clinching the Pacific Division title for the first time since the 2015-16 season as well as earning the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, receiving a bye in the first round of playoffs, which are single elimination.
During the Tuesday night contest, all fans in attendance will receive a voucher for a free hot dog.
The South Bay Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Blue 125-105 on Saturday in a game televised on ESPNews. The Lakers made 20 of 41 three-point shots, four coming from point guard Scott Machado, who scored a game-high 27. Reno beat South Bay in three of its four regular season games.
This marks the Bighorns’ second appearance in the second round of the NBA G League Playoffs in franchise history. The first was during the 2010-11 season.
For ticket information, phone (775) 853-8220.
In a St. Paddy’s Day game, Oklahoma City nipped the Bighorns, 121-118, as more than 2,900 Reno fans looked on. Despite Oklahoma pulling away in third quarter, Reno kept it close.
The Bighorns went on a few streaks from beyond the arc, with guard Aaron Harrison finishing the game with 45 points. His contract was subsequently purchased by the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, so Harrison won’t be available for Reno’s playoff run.
Jack Cooley and the OKC forwards played consistently physical under the boards. Cooley finished with 18 points and eight rebounds.
There were four quarters of fast breaks and quick three-point shots.
At the end of the contest, the Bighorns missed three three-point attempts in a row, fouled quickly, and OKC missed both penalty shots.
A win seemed in reach for the Bighorns. Harrison made a three and the fans rose to their feet. Reno fouled again, OKC made one, and the game ended with a final missed three-point shot.
– Tony Contini
Tahoe Onstage photos by Tony Contini
