The Iowa Energy fell to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Monday Night 131-126. The two teams battled throughout the whole game, with each team's largest lead being just 7 points. The game featured 16 lead changes and 11 ties. The Energy and Vipers were tied at 32 after the first quarter. Rio Grande Valley's Darius Morris had 15 of his game high 36 points in the first. The second quarter was more of the same story, with the two teams battling back and forth. Iowa's Austin Freeman had 14 of his 29 points in the second quarter off the bench. The Energy took a 64-63 lead into the half. The Vipers pulled ahead in the third quarter, taking a 98-93 lead into the final quarter. Morris added 10 more to his total in the third. The Energy pulled out to a 7 point lead before the Vipers went on an 8-0 run to pull ahead. The Vipers hit clutch free throws down the stretch to pull away with the 131-126 victory. They will head to the semifinals to play the Santa Cruz Warriors. The Vipers were led by 36 by Morris, who also added 8 assists and 6 rebounds. Houston Rockets assignee Isaiah Canaan had 35 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. Rockets assignee added 15 points and 9 rebounds. The Energy were led by Patrick Christopher's 35 points. Freeman finished the night with 29 points and 8 rebounds. Moses Ehambe had 24 points and 9 rebounds. Press release from the Iowa Energy
