IOWA WOLVES HOST LONG ISLAND NETS IN G LEAGUE REMATCH

DES MOINES, Iowa (Interstat) — The Iowa Wolves will seek immediate revenge when they host the Long Island Nets in a G League rematch Monday at Wells Fargo Arena.

The Nets (13-12) stunned the Wolves (15-11) 124-115 on Sunday, setting up a quick turnaround between the teams. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time.

Iowa, which holds a two-game lead over Long Island in the standings, will look to veteran forward Alize Johnson to bounce back. Johnson, a consistent double-double threat, was held to 15 points and 8 rebounds in Sunday’s loss. He enters Monday averaging 24.2 points and 12.5 rebounds over his last 10 games, including a 41-point, 10-rebound performance in a win over Valley on Jan. 15.

Long Island will counter with guard Malachi Smith, who orchestrated Sunday’s victory with 22 points and 11 assists. Smith has been a catalyst for the Nets, averaging 17.8 points and 6.8 assists over his last 10 contests. He scored 36 points in a win over Wisconsin on Jan. 9.

The Wolves had won three straight prior to Sunday’s defeat, a run that included two road wins at Valley. Long Island has alternated wins and losses over its last six games.

Iowa holds a significant home-court advantage at Wells Fargo Arena, where it is 9-4 this season. Long Island is 6-7 on the road.

Following Monday’s game, the Nets begin a four-game homestand starting Wednesday in Sioux Falls. The Wolves continue a five-game homestand, their next game coming Saturday against Memphis.

Key Matchup: The battle in the paint between Iowa’s Alize Johnson and Long Island’s frontcourt will be pivotal. Johnson’s rebounding prowess, leading to second-chance points, will be a focus for the Nets after he grabbed 18 boards in a game earlier this month.

Injury Report: Both teams will release official injury and availability reports closer to game time.