RECORD-SETTING SCORING EFFORT BY ANTONIO BLAKENEY LEADS WINDY CITY TO OVERTIME VICTORY AGAINST OKLAHOMA CITY

[caption id="attachment_2455" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images[/caption]

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL – The Windy City Bulls, presented by BMO Harris Bank, the NBA G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls, grabbed their first win of the season with a 130-126 OT win over the visiting Oklahoma City Blue Friday Night.

Antonio Blakeney paced the Bulls with a career-high, and franchise record 44 points. Will Bynum held the previous record with a 43-point performance last season against the Delaware 87ers. Blakeney’s total points also marked the highest scoring output by a player in the NBA G League season, surpassing Trey Burk who scored 43 against Delaware four nights ago
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Windy City had three other players tally double figures led by Jarell Eddie, who registered 30 points on 9-of-16 shooting, three rebounds, and two assists. Eight of Eddie’s nine field goals were three-point baskets, which ties a personal best set last season against Grand Rapids on February 17. Ryan Arcidiacono posted his first career double-double (14 points, 10 assists) and added four rebounds. Tyler Harris added 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists off the bench.

Oklahoma City began the game with a 10-2 run and the Blue would take a seven-point advantage into the second period before extending their lead to 15 with 8:54 remaining in the half. Propelled by an 11-0 run, the Bulls would cut the lead to four and ultimately tie the game at the intermission, 60-60.

OKC had six guys score in double figures lead by frontcourt mates Daniel Hamilton, who registered a near triple-double (24 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists) and Chris Wright who poured in 22 points and added five rebounds and five assists. Myke Henry tallied 19 points while Rashawn Thomas and Markel Brown each scored 16 and Bryce Alford pitched in with 11.

The Blue regained their footing in the third quarter shooting a blistering 62% percent from the field and outscored Windy City by nine, 43-34. Oklahoma City would take an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter. However, the Bulls would make their move with 9:47 remaining in the game. A 9-0 run trimmed a 13-point deficit to four. Blakeney and Eddie would lead the charge combining for 16 fourth-quarter points.

Rookie Mychal Mulder would give the Bulls a two-point lead on a driving layup with 19.9 seconds left in regulation. However, the Blue would convert on a put-back opportunity and the game would head to OT.

The free throw line turned out to be the Bulls best friend in the extra session as all seven overtime points came from the charity stripe. The charity stripe what would ultimately down the Blue.

The Bulls are right back at it Saturday night for the second leg of the back-to-back when they host the Fort Wayne Mad Ants at Sears Centre Arena with a 7:00 pm tip-off.

Fans can stay up-to-date on team news by following the team on Twitter (@WindyCityBulls) or visiting (windycity.gleague.nba.com). Full season membership, group, and single tickets for the 2017-18 Windy City Bulls season are on sale now. For all ticket information and full season schedule, visit WindyCityBulls.com.