South Bay Falls Short of Win Against Stockton

The South Bay Lakers played their thirteenth home game of the regular season against the Stockton Kings as they fell, 108-119, on Saturday night. Shaq Harrison led the Lakers (18-9) in scoring with 20 points. Neeimas Queta paced the Kings (20-6), scoring 23 points.

In the first meeting between these two in the regular season, Stockton started off strong, opening an early eight-point lead, using their size to take advantage on the interior. Keon Ellis led the Kings with 11 points in the quarter. Scotty Pippen Jr. put up seven in the quarter. South Bay trailed 24-35, after one. A quick 9-0 run from the Kings to start the second frame extended their lead to 20 points mid-way through the quarter. South Bay then responded with 14-4 run of their own to cut their deficit in half. The Lakers continued to battle, cutting the lead down to as little as five and going into the half down nine. Shaq Harrison led the Lakers with 12 points. Kings center Neemias Queta was the Kings standout performer with 11 points eight rebounds, and five blocked shots at half.

Stockton came out strong in the third, re-establishing their double-digit lead early in the second half. It was then another uphill battle for the Lakers to fight their way back into the game. However, they did just that, responding with a 20-4 run, spurred by 10 third quarter points from L.J. Figueroa to erase the deficit completely and take the lead with three minutes left. The Lakers led going into the final frame, 87-86.

The final period was incredibly back and forth, with both teams making runs but neither able to gain much separation. The Lakers found themselves down six with three minutes left in the quarter. However, the hole proved to be too deep for South Bay, as the Lakers fell 109-118. In the G League, where most frequently, a player shoots one free throw that counts for two points, South Bay’s 3 for 12 shooting performance from the line is certainly a place where they left plenty of points on the board.

Harrison put together a final line of 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Bryce Hamilton and Max Christie contributed 19 and 18 points respectively. For the Kings Neemias Queta put up a 23 point and 14 rebound performance. Trey Burke and Keon Ellis contributed 22 and 20 points respectively.

South Bay will face off against the Austin Spurs on Wednesday, March 15, at 5:30pm from the H-E-B Center.