Parks plays solid in Legends close win over Stampede

MANILA, Philippines -- Former two-time UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. is rounding up to solid form in the NBA D-League after helping the Texas Legends hold off Idaho Stampede, 108-101, on Sunday (Manila time) at the Century Link Arena. 

Parks, Jr. finished with six points on 2-of-6 shooting on top of four rebounds, one steal without a turnover in 22 minutes, the most he's played in the D-League. 

#strongplay from our bench tonight! @Justo_Santana14 8pts/4rebs Miller 18pts/4asts/3stls/2rebs @ray15parks 6pts/4rebs/1stl #TEXatIDA

— Texas Legends (@TexasLegends) January 24, 2016

More importantly, Parks, Jr. Legends coach Nick Van Exel trusted Parks, Jr. to finish the game entering the final 2:08. The Fil-Am guard repaid Van Exel's trust by playing solid defense down the stretch. 

With the Legends protecting a six-point lead, 103-97, Parks, Jr. forced Idaho point guard Phil Pressey to give up the ball. One player later, altered Brandon Fields' attempt leading to a miss and jump ball, which the Legends won. 

Earlier in the fourth quarter, Parks, Jr. scored four in a 6-0 run by the Legends for a seven-point buffer, 89-82, after the Stampede threatened at 83-82. 

Center Michael Eric led the Legends in scoring with 21 points but it was Toure Murry who shone brightest with 13 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.  The Legends drew 35 big points from the bench including six from Parks, Jr. 

The Legends improved to 13-10, trailing Austin Spurs (16-8) for the top spot in the Southwest Division. They will play the Stampede again on Monday in the second of a five-game road trip.