SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — Tiny Gallon scored 19 points to lead five players in double-digits and played a pivotal role in the closing 90 seconds as the Maine Red Claws edged the New Mexico Thunderbirds 98-97 in the NBA Development League Showcase series at the South Padre Island Convention Center on Tuesday night.

Gallon tied it at 97 on a free throw with 1:26 left, gave the Red Claws (10-11) their final lead with another free throw with 45.1 seconds left and stole the ball in his team’s defensive end on the last play to prevent any chance at a winning shot by the Thunderbirds (11-10).

After eight lead changes and three ties in the fourth quarter, New Mexico went up 96-91 on a 3-point play by Josh Bostic with 4:07 left. Maine’s Jamar Smith then hit a 3-pointer and Champ Oguchi made a jumper following a Jamine Peterson free throw for New Mexico to pull the Red Claws to within one, 97-96.

 

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