Austin Toros red hot shooting helps lead to convincing home court win over The Bakersfield Jam

AUSTIN-- The Austin Toros had five players score in double figures to help lead them past the struggling Bakersfield Jam 115-99 Friday night before a sold out crowd at the Austin Convention Center.

The Toros got off to a fast start as Lewis Clinch led the way with two three pointers in the opening moments of the game for a 6-0 Toros lead. The Jam answered with a 10-4 run to tie the game up at 10-10 with just under eight minutes to go in the opening quarter.

Both teams shot well in the first quarter knocking down 50 percent of their three pointers. Clinch scored 11 points in the quarter with the Jam's Reece Gaines matching him with 11 points of his own as he was a perfect 3-for-3 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.

The Toros continued to roll in the second quarter as their defense held the Jam to 21 points in the quarter while their offense exploded for 37 points to take a 67-51 lead at the half. Curtis Jerrels finished the first half with 14 points to help Austin build their double digit lead. Both teams were red hot from the field shooting over 60 percent but it was the 16 Jam turnovers that came back to haunt Bakersfield.

The Jam fell behind by 19 points midway through the third quarter before cutting the lead down to 13 at 69-82 on a Jeremy Wise layup with just over five minutes to go in the quarter. The Toros went on the close out the quarter on a 11-4 run to take a 20 point lead into the fourth quarter.

Bakersfield would never really threaten again as they would get no closer than 13 points down the stretch. Ryan Bowen scored six points over the final 90 seconds the help the Toros finish off the Jam 115-99.

The Jam had six players score in double figures with Wise leading the way with 19 points.

Austin was led in scoring by Clinch with 23 points. Dwayne Jones registered a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds to go along with two steals.