SPRINGFIELD, MA, February 8, 2010- Playing for the second time in three days, the Springfield Armor fell to the Austin Toros, 132-101, Monday night at the MassMutual Center.  Springfield fell to 0-3 against the Toros on the season.
 
Armor center Marcus Campbell picked up three early fouls forcing him to the bench early in the first half.  Kentrell Gransberry filled in admirably though, gathering three rebounds and scoring six points in the first half to boost Springfield to an early seven point lead. But the Armor went on a cold streak late in the second quarter, allowing Austin to come all the way back to take a 46-42 lead with three minutes left in the half. Morris Almond nearly matched Toros leading scorer Malik Hairston shot for shot in the half - Hairston had 15 and Almond scored 12 – but the Toros were able to take a 56-49 lead heading into the break.
 
Austin came out firing in the second half, ripping off a 12-2 run in just under three minutes to increase their lead to 17. Springfield couldn’t find their shooting touch in the third quarter and couldn’t stop Austin either. The Toros outscored Springfield 44-20 in the third quarter, breaking the game open. The frustration continued to pile up for the Armor as head coach Dee Brown was ejected in the third quarter. Austin’s lead ballooned to as large as 36 and Springfield fell to 5-22 on year. Austin improved to 18-10.
 
Hairston, one of seven Toros to score double-digits, led Austin in scoring and finished with 32 points. Campbell scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds for Springfield.  Almond finished with 29.
 
Join the Armor for their next game on Wednesday the 10th at 7 pm for their Valentines Celebration when they take on the Rio Grand Valley Vipers.  Tickets are still on sale and can be purchased by logging on to www.armorhoops.com or by visiting the MassMutual Center Box Office. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9-5, Saturday, 10 to game time.       

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