Special to the Nevada Appeal
BISMARCK, N.D. - Blake Ahearn made sure he didn't disappoint in his return with the Dakota Wizards.
After being waived by the San Antonio Spurs last week, Ahearn signed with his former D-League squad and in his first game back erupted for 33 points to guide the Wizards to a 111-101 triumph over the Reno Bighorns on Sunday for their fourth straight victory.
The 23-year-old, who had become the first player in D-League history to be called up to an NBA team and assigned to their D-League affiliate in the same year, shot 10-of-26 from the field, 6-of-10 from 3-point range and 7-of-7 from the free throw line.
Ahearn added eight assists for Dakota.
The win didn't come easily, however. After leading by as many as 21, the Wizards survived a late flurry from Reno.
The Bighorns pulled within four with just over a minute remaining before a pair of free throws by Ahearn sealed the deal.
Maurice Baker added 19 points and 11 rebounds for the winners.
Damone Brown paced Reno with 19 points and Antonio Meeking had 17.
Former Nevada star Garry Hill-Thomas played nearly 20 minutes and scored a season-high 11 points and had seven rebounds, also a season high.