SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — In a high-octane G League shootout at Frontwave Arena on Friday night, the San Diego Clippers outlasted the Iowa Wolves 125-118. The game, a back-and-forth affair defined by offensive runs and crucial defensive stops in the final minutes, saw the Clippers improve to 13-9 while the Wolves fell to 12-10.

The most important part of the game unfolded in the fourth quarter after Iowa had erased a double-digit deficit. The Wolves, who trailed by as many as 13 points in the third quarter, mounted a furious comeback behind a 35-point final period. With just over six minutes remaining, San Diego’s lead had been trimmed to a precarious 107-104 following a 3-pointer from Iowa’s Jules Bernard.

The Clippers responded with the decisive run. Hunter Sallis connected on a 25-foot running jumper, and after an Iowa turnover, Jaelen House found Sallis again for a 9-foot floating jump shot to push the lead back to 111-104 with 5:09 to play, forcing an Iowa timeout. The sequence highlighted San Diego’s ability to answer under pressure, a theme throughout the night.

Iowa’s Bernard, who was a consistent scoring threat, hit another deep 3-pointer out of the timeout to cut it to 111-107, but the Wolves would get no closer. San Diego’s defense tightened, forcing missed jumpers from Bernard on consecutive possessions, with center Derek Ogbeide securing key defensive rebounds. The Clippers then effectively sealed the game at the free-throw line down the stretch.

The contest featured little separation from the start. Iowa led 30-27 after a first quarter marked by early energy from rookie Rocco Zikarsky, who had a dunk and multiple rebounds and blocks. San Diego took control in the second, outscoring Iowa 33-30 to take a 60-60 tie into halftime, thanks to balanced scoring and playmaking from Matt Allocco and Zach Freemantle.

The third quarter proved pivotal in building the cushion San Diego would later need. The Clippers opened the period on a 15-7 run, fueled by Jahmyl Telfort’s mid-range game and Patrick Baldwin’s activity at both ends. They carried an 88-83 lead into the fourth, setting the stage for the final-quarter drama.

San Diego’s victory was a product of depth and timely execution. Eight Clippers players were listed as key performers, with the play-by-play data showing significant contributions from Freemantle inside, Allocco and House as facilitators, and Baldwin with key steals and buckets. Taylor Funk also provided critical minutes with outside shooting and defensive plays.

For Iowa, Bernard shouldered a heavy offensive load, creating shots and distributing assists, while Alize Johnson was active on the glass. The Wolves’ effort to push the pace and score in transition kept them within striking distance but ultimately could not overcome San Diego’s more consistent execution in the closing moments.

Interstat’s ELO system had projected San Diego with a 68.10 percent probability to win. The teams are scheduled for a quick rematch at Frontwave Arena on Saturday night.