Recap: Memphis Hustle vs. Iowa Wolves

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The Hustle played their first of two games within a week against the Iowa Wolves last night before visiting them in Des Moines on Tuesday. The Hustle defeated the Wolves 88-80 in their first matchup of the season but the Wolves were without Elijah Millsap, Amile Jefferson, Melo Trimble and Justin Patton in that game. The Hustle would be without Jeremy Morgan, Austin Nichols and Vince Hunter while the Wolves were without Jarvis Williams.

First Quarter

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The game started at 7, but the Hustle defense didn’t show up in time. Ivan Rabb scored 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in the quarter while Omari Johnson chipped in 6 points on two 3’s. It was a close game until the Hustle turned the ball over a total of 5 times in the final 3 minutes of the quarter. Melo Trimble carried the Wolves with 8 points and 3 assists, while former Memphis Tiger Shawne Williams scored 6 points of his own. When the buzzer rang, the Wolves had a 30-23 lead over the Hustle.

Second Quarter

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The Hustle had a quick burst to start the second quarter, but the Wolves responded with a run of their own extending their lead to as high as 20 points. The Hustle cut the lead to 15 to end the quarter down 65-49. 3 point shooting carried the Wolves in that second quarter. They went 5-7 from beyond the arc in the quarter, going 8-11 overall in the half. Kobi Simmons lead the Hustle with 12 points while Trahson Burrell scored 10 points and Ivan Rabb neared a double-double with a 9 point, 7 rebound half. The Wolves were carried by former Memphis Tiger Shawne Williams’ 12 points. Anthony Brown and Elijah Millsap dropped 10 points a piece to complement Williams’ game.

Third Quarter

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The Hustle’s defense finally showed up and a Kobi Simmons charged run brought the Hustle back within 8 early in the 3rd quarter. The Hustle and Wolves traded baskets most of the quarter and the Wolves held a 87-81 lead when the quarter ended. The Hustle cut the lead to 4 behind Omari Johnson’s 12 points and Kobi Simmons 5 points and 2 assists. Ivan Rabb also contributed 4 points and 6 rebounds in the quarter, giving him a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. The Hustle shot 4-6 from beyond the arc while holding the Wolves to 1-5.

Fourth Quarter

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The Wolves went on a 5-0 run to start the 4th, extending their lead back to double digits. Both the Hustle offense and defense stalled to start the 4th, digging the Hustle an even deeper hole with the Wolves jumping out to a 21 point lead. The Hustle essentially gave up in the 4th, giving up way too many easy looks on the defensive end while settling for 3’s on the offensive end. The game mercifully ended with the Wolves coming away with the 117-98 win. The Hustle were lead by Omari Johnson’s 18 points and 8 rebounds, Kobi Simmons 17 points, 3 assists and Ivan Rabb’s 14 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks. Melo Trimble and Anthony Brown lead the Wolves, both scoring 17 points while Michael Bryson and Amile Jefferson both scored 14 points.

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