by OKLAHOMA CITY, Dec. 5, 2023 – The Oklahoma City Blue (6-4) defeated the Birmingham Squadron (4-5), 128-113, on Tuesday afternoon at Paycom Center. Thunder assignment player Tre Mann tallied a team-high 26 points on 11-of-18 field goals, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals in the win.
“I thought we came out and looked like a team that was ready to earn a win,” Head Coach Kameron Woods said. “Credit to Birmingham for how they competed today.”
The Blue jumped out to a 33-19 lead after one and extended it to 63-40 at the break after shooting 59.1 percent from the field in the second frame. Birmingham closed the gap to 92-80 after three, but the Blue responded in the fourth quarter to keep its lead secure.
Oklahoma City never trailed in Tuesday’s contest. Two-way player Lindy Waters III poured in 20 points, knocking down 6-of-12 from long distance. Fellow two-way players Keyontae Johnson (16) and Oliver Sarr (13) both reached double-figures, and Thunder assignment player Ousmane Dieng added 16 points on 5-of-9 field goals and five rebounds.
Hunter Maldonado posted 16 points and 11 assists off the bench in the win. Malcolm Hill posted a double-double with 30 points and 12 rebounds to lead the way for Birmingham and teammate Jalen Crutcher added 30 points on 11-of-20 shots.
Oklahoma City faces the Rio Grande Valley Vipers tomorrow, Dec. 6, at noon CT to complete its back-to-back at Paycom Center.
