Big games from Johnson-Odom, Reed propel Armor to win

Willie Reed scored 17 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as the Springfield Armor defeated the Maine Red Claws in Portland, 98-90.  The newest Armor player, Darius Johnson-Odom, playing point guard, scored 20 points, grabbed nine rebounds and handed out four assists. For the Red Claws, MarShon Brooks, playing his second D-League game, scored 24 points.

It was only the fourth win for the Armor to go with 11 losses ... and came after a blow out loss to the Tulsa 66ers Friday. The Armor played a solid defensive game early, giving up only 13 points in the second quarter. While Springfield has struggled offensively, Armor coach Doug Overton was quick to point out after the game that, "defensively, we are one of the top teams in the league."

Six Armor players finished in double figures. Besides Reed and Johnson-Odom, Lance Hurdle hit 3-of-5 3-pointers and ended up with 15 points. Dennis Horner also totaled 15. Bruce Massey and Larry Anderson each scored 11 points. Brooks shot 11-of-21, grabbed 11 rebounds and handed out six assists.

The Armor will head to Reno, Nev. for the annual NBA D-League Showcase. Springfield will play Reno on Wednesday and Iowa on Thursday.

• Game Info: Armor at Red Claws - D-League
• Springfield Armor, led by defense, logs win over Portland Red Claws 98-90 - Kevin Thomas - Springfield Republican
• Darius Johnson-Odom a welcome addition for Springfield Armor - Kevin Thomas - Springfield Republican
• Springfield remains perplexing to Red Claws - Kevin Thomas - Portland Press-Herald