South Bay Lakers Bounce Back Strong Against Iowa Wolves

The South Bay Lakers took down the Iowa Wolves by a 118-98 final score Tuesday evening at home, improving their NBA G League regular-season record to 13-10. Maxwell Lewis, currently on assignment from the Los Angeles Lakers, paced South Bay in scoring with 25 points while Lance Stephenson led the way for Iowa (6-18) with 24.

Buckets were flowing for both sides early in the contest, including a field goal from newly-signed Lakers two-way forward/center Harry Giles III. Jalen Hood-Schifino, also on assignment from the Los Angeles Lakers, led South Bay with seven first quarter points, while Wolves guard Javonte Cooke put up 10 in the period. South Bay led by five after one, 27-22.

Shot making combined with a series of defensive stops enabled the Lakers to build a 10-point lead halfway through the second frame. However, the Wolves closed the half strong to trail the Lakers by only four heading into halftime, 60-56.

Much of the third quarter was tightly contested, with both squads finding it difficult to build momentum. To end the frame, the Lakers regained control thanks to 14 third quarter points from Lewis to lead 82-78 heading into the fourth. South Bay then re-established its double-digit lead halfway through the final period and never looked back.

Lewis put together a final line of 25 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals in 30 minutes. Hood-Schifino added 22 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals in 39 minutes, while Skylar Mays tallied 19 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists in 34 minutes. Giles III finished with eight points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals in 30 minutes.

For the Wolves, Stephenson scored 24 points, grabbed three rebounds and dished out three assists while Cooke posted 17 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out two assists.

Up next, South Bay will host the Memphis Hustle on Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo.