BISMARCK, N.D. November 29, 2008: In back to back nights the Iowa Energy came from behind and used a fourth quarter surge to defeat a Central Division rival on their home court, as the Energy defeated the Dakota Wizards 106-103 at the Bismarck Civic Center.

Center Courtney Sims paced the Energy with his second straight double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds and guard Curtis Stinson also recorded a double-double of his own with 12 points, 12 boards and added five assists.

“It was a typical first game of the season,” said Wizards Head Coach Duane Ticknor. “We limited our turnovers and shared the ball well with 23 assists, but it’s tough to beat a good team like Iowa when you only shoot 40% on the night.”

Wizards forward Renaldo Major had a successful return with 19 points and connected on a big three point basket with 1:03 remaining to cut the Energy lead to one, 104-103. A late foul by forward Quemont Greer put Cartier Martin at the line for the Energy to go up 106-103, and a last second attempt by Greer to tie the game was unsuccessful.

The Wizards finished with six players in double digits paced by Greer’s double double (11 points 10 rebounds). Guard Maurice Baker nailed 16 points while dishing 8 assists and assigned center from the Memphis Grizzlies had 14 points off the bench in the loss.

Dakota heads south for two match ups on the road starting on Wednesday in Austin, then to Rio Grande Valley before returning to the Bismarck Civic Center on Saturday vs. Erie ad Sunday vs. Sioux Falls. For more information on how to get in the game, contact the Wizards office at (701) 258-BALL.