Malik Hairston Returns to Rescue Toros

The Austin Toros were returned guard Malik Hairston yesterday from the San Antonio Spurs to rescue them from a disastrous and long road-trip that has them 2-6 in the month of March and put the cowardly Colorado 14ers 3 games ahead of the Toros in first place.  Only eight games remain in the regular season, five against sub-.500 teams and five at home.

Hairston appeared in 15 games for the Spurs and was an important contributor to an injury-plagued stretch for the Spurs. The question will be whether Hairston replaced new signee DeMarcus Wilson or struggling Ezra Williams in the starting lineup.

Toros Split Weekend Series

The Austin Toros split their weekend series with the despised Colorado 14ers, retaining first place in the Southwestern Division, losing 107-101 on Saturday night and then erupting in overtime Sunday for a 124-113 win. Malik Hairston set a season-high team record Sunday scoring 43 points including 11 of 13 from the free throw line. Squeaky Johnson also had a big game with 25 points including 5 of 6 from three point territory.

Mohammed Abukar and Ezra Williams added 18 and 13 off the bench, respectively.

The Toros blew a 19 point lead in Saturday’s game but returned the favor Sunday, recovering the points and then speeding away in overtime.

Couple extra game notes… Colorado out-hustled the Toros in the first half but seemed to gas as the game wore on, especially into overtime. The Toros were relentless.

Forward Andre Brown was 1 for 7 from the line. Taking out Brown’s free throw stats the team was 77.8% from the line. Good… but not nearly as good as Colorado, who were automatic, hitting 88% of their free throws.

The Austin Toros host a Basketball Skills Competition at the 2009 Texas Testosterone Festival. More details as they are available.

Toros decide to win again

The Austin Toros are unstoppable. They’ve now won nine straight and began their latest four game road trip with a 97-88 victory over the Utah Flash. Malik Hairston continued his tear scoring 23 points. Charles Gaines had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Ezra Williams came off the bench to score 19 more.

The Toros play again tonight against the Idaho Stampede. The Toros will win ten straight tonight if they have the urge to do so.

The Austin Toros host a Basketball Skills Competition at the 2009 Texas Testosterone Festival. More details as they are available.