Ontario, CA—The Agua Caliente Clippers topped the Maine Red Claws in an overtime thriller at home on Tuesday afternoon, 110-104. The Clippers improved to 16-17 overall and are now 1-0 against Maine in the season series.
After swapping leads in the opening minutes of play, the Red Claws took a four-point lead into the second frame, but an elbow jumper from Dakarai Allen sparked a 10-1 Clippers’ run to put the Clippers up six with three minutes to play in the quarter. Maine threatened briefly, but J.J. O’Brien completed a three-point play to keep the Clippers lead at eight at the half.
The Red Claws came out hot in the second half, going on an 11-point run to take the lead before Agua Caliente responded with a 10-0 run of its own, led by James Michael McAdoo, to go up by eight. Maine refused to go away easily and the two teams headed into the fourth quarter tied at 77. Leading by three with under forty seconds left, the Clippers looked poised to take the win, but Trey Davis hit a three to tie the game. The Red Claws had the opportunity to win, but L.J. Peak missed two free throws to send the game to overtime. In overtime, McAdoo hit a jumper and O’Brien connected on a three to give the Clippers the edge they needed to grab their first overtime win of the season.
O’Brien led the Clippers with 30 points and McAdoo added a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Ike Iroegbu bested the Clippers bench with 22 points and LaDontae Henton added 19. The Clippers outscored the Red Claws in the paint 54-40 and took advantage of fastbreak opportunities, scoring 15 points to Maine’s 11.
“We knew that Maine is capable of going on runs,” said Iroegbu. “They went on theirs early and Coach (Casey Hill) called time and we got our composure back and did what we had to do to get the win.”
The Clippers hit the road to begin a five-game road trip that starts in Michigan on February 1, as they take on the Grand Rapids Drive for the first time this season in a 4 p.m. PST tip. Fans can stay up-to-date on team news by following the team on Twitter (@ACClippers) or visiting ACClippers.com. Full season membership, group, and single tickets for the 2017-18 Agua Caliente Clippers season are on sale now. For all ticket information and full season schedule, visit ACClippers.com.
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