Toros Defeat Stampede, Advance in Playoffs

The Austin Toros brought back painful memories for the Idaho Stampede tonight, winning 119-116 in Overtime to advance in the D-League playoffs. The Toros defeated the Stampede last year in the playoffs to win the D-League Championship.

The Toros needed to recover 18 points in the 4th Quarter to tie the game at 113. 

Marcus Williams returned to the Toros from a short stint with the San Antonio Spurs to net 33 while Malik Hairston led the team in scoring with 34.  Williams scored the three pointer to put the game into Overtime and the final basket to put the game away. Combined, Williams and Hairston were 10 of 11 from 3 point territory. Nearly 1000 fans packed the Concordia University Fieldhouse for the nail-biter.

The Toros now take to the road to take on the rival Colorado 14ers, who defeated the Erie Bayhawks yesterday to advance. The matchup date has not yet been announced.

Update: The matchup date has been announced and will be this Saturday night at 8 PM CST in Colorado. Visit the D-League website for information on watching the game live on the web.

Austin Toros Rematch Idaho Stampede in Playoffs

The Austin Toros were the one team without a choice yesterday afternoon - the last of the four teams allowed to select their first round opponent for the D-League playoffs that begin tomorrow. After the Erie Bayhawks, Bakersfield Jam, and Dakota Wizards were chosen by the Colorado 14ers, Utah Flash, and Iowa Energy respectively, the Toros were left with the fifth-ranked Idaho Stampede, a rematch of last year’s D-League finals.

The first round of the playoffs is single-elimination - the Toros will play the Stampede on Wednesday night at 7:30 PM at Concordia University. Tickets are available now by calling 236-8333.

The Toros played the Idaho Stampede twice this season and lost both games - 105 to 94 on December 5 at home and 97 to 94 on January 3 in Idaho. The Toros put together nine straight victories against opposition in between those two games.

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

Toros can’t overcome 15 degree pitch to floor, smaller hoop

The Austin Toros’ winning streak ended at 9 games after falling to the Idaho Stampede, 97-94. The Stampede are unbeaten at home, reportedly due to a 15 degree pitch to the floor that makes the visiting teams play uphill as well as one hoop with a circumference only slightly larger than that of the basketball. The Stampede have used these advantages effectively to compensate for their lack of talent comparable to the mighty Toros.

Andre Brown scored a double-double and Malik Hairston had 21 points. Charles Gaines scored 19.

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.

Spurs Fall in Championship Rematch

The Austin Toros fell 105-94 to the unbeaten Idaho Stampede in a rematch of the D-League Championship of last season. Marcus Williams scored 32 points but the Toros could only muster 14 points in the fourth quarter. Click here for the recap.

The Toros fell to 2-3 on the young season.