Stars fall to Red Claws as Maine catches fire from deep

It was a disappointing night for the Salt Lake City Stars as they fell to the Maine Red Claws 112-118. It was a back and forth battle as the Stars were able to cut Maine's lead multiple times but ultimately couldn’t finish the game on top.

Maine got off to a hot start, in part due to Vito Brown who finished the first quarter with 10 points. Additionally, Maine shot 52 percent from the field and 33 percent from deep for the quarter.

The Stars got some big contributions from Naz Mitrou-Long and Willie Reed throughout the first half of play with Mitrou-Long making big shots while Reed energized the team with a two-handed slam.

The Stars struggled on the defensive end, giving up open looks to the Red Claws. Stars’ Head Coach Martin Schiller was not pleased with Salt Lake City’s failure to contest the three-point shot. “I didn’t like them shooting 44 percent from three. I thought we were too loose ... they aren't a good shooting team but [we] have to understand that they're making shots and [we] need to adjust [our] defense and I think we didn't do that very well,” he said.

Walter Lemon Jr. and PJ Dozier led Maine with 25 points each while Vitto Brown had a double-double in his first career G League start with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Mirou-Long kept the Stars in the game late with 15 points in the fourth quarter of play to go along with his 27 points for the game. Reed nearly finished the game with a double-double recording 23 points and eight rebounds as the number-one overall pick in the G League draft played in front of his family for the first time this season, a moment the center truly appreciated. “It's always amazing when you get the chance to play in front of your family. Chasing my dream kind of takes me away from them sometimes but the fact that they could be out there tonight sitting courtside helped me to bring a bit more energy tonight.”

The Stars begin a two-game road trip this week as the Stars will take on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Friday, Nov. 30.