BOISE, Idaho, November 28, 2009 -The Stampede pulled away after a close start and defeated the Reno Bighorns 137-115 in the season opener for both teams.
"Our team came out and we were rushing and being sloppy," said Stampede Head Coach Bob MacKinnon. "We told our team we want running not rushing. They improved in the second half of the game and did a better job playing within. I'm excited for our game on Monday night when we see Reno again."
The Stampede were led by Gains who came off the bench to score a game-high 31 points with 12 assists, while Mildon Ambres scored 30 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Anthony Tolliver contributed 26 points, while Mike Gansey added 12 points, and Jeff Graves pitched in 11.
The Bighorns finished with 5 players in double figures, led by Desmon Farmer with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Stampede had 6 players scoring in double figures including Tolliver with 26, Ambres with 30, Graves with 11, Bergersen with 10, Gaiens with 31, and Gansey with 12.
Both teams will match-up again Monday night at 7 p.m. in Boise.
