Cruise edge Nets on Etienne's historic night

The Motor City Cruise defeated the Long Island Nets 106-104 on Wednesday night at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum after Isaac Jones' game-winning free throws with 26 seconds remaining, earning a split win in the two-game series.

Jones was the dominant force for the Cruise (8-8), finishing with a game-high 32 points on 10-of-16 shooting, 15 rebounds and seven blocks. Wendell Moore Jr. recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds. Drew Peterson added 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, and Jaden Akins scored 15 points. Brice Williams contributed 13 points off the bench.

Despite the loss for the Nets (9-7), guard Tyson Etienne made franchise history. With a pair of free throws in the third quarter, Etienne became the team's all-time leading scorer, passing Jordan Bowden. Etienne finished the game with 15 points but struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 3-for-17 on 3-point attempts.

Nate Williams posted a double-double for the Nets with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Long Island received a major boost from its bench, with David Muoka and Trevon Scott each scoring 14 points. Guard Terry Roberts, in a reserve role, tallied 11 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds.

The game was a back-and-forth affair that was tied at 79 entering the fourth quarter. Jones took over in the final period, scoring 14 points to keep Motor City in contention. After a dunk by Chaney Johnson tied the score at 104 with 48 seconds left, and Jones drew a foul and sank both free throws. The Nets had a final opportunity, but Etienne's 3-point attempt at the buzzer was off the mark.

Up next: The Cruise visit the Cleveland Charge on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, and the Nets host the Grand Rapids Gold on Monday at 7 p.m. 

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