The Armor flew into Austin Friday to face the Toros, who had the second best record in the D-League and a nine-game winning streak. Led by Jerry Smith, JamesOn Curry and Jeff Foote, the Armor won, 110-99, stamping them as a legitimate championship contender in the D-League playoffs which start next week.

With one regular season game to go, the Armor is second in the East, one game back with one to play. The Toros, the Spurs' affiliate, are second in the West and have been the league's hottest team the last month. Austin jumped out quickly, but Curry kept Springfield close with 11 in the first quarter, finishing with 19. Then, Smith (27 points), Foote (20 and 10) and D-League Dunk Champion L.D. Williams (20) picked up the pace with big runs at the start of the third and fourth.

With Dennis Horner's 10-day contract running out early next week, the Nets will have to choose between filling out their bench or helping the Armor in the playoffs.

• Springfield Armor down Austin Toros in D-League road game - Springfield Republican
• Armor at Toros Game Info - D-League