UNIONDALE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Long Island Nets used a dominant third-quarter surge to overcome a strong first-half performance by the Grand Rapids Gold and secure a 115-107 victory in a G League matchup Monday night at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The game turned decisively in the third period. After trailing by 11 points at halftime, the Nets outscored the Gold 40-12 in the quarter, transforming a 66-55 deficit into a 95-78 lead entering the final frame. The Nets’ offense found a relentless rhythm during the stretch, led by the backcourt tandem of Malachi Smith and Tyson Etienne, while their defense stifled a previously potent Grand Rapids attack.

Grand Rapids had established control early, building a 30-25 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 66-55 by halftime behind efficient interior play. The momentum shifted completely after the break as Long Island opened the third quarter on a 22-4 run, capitalizing on Gold turnovers and converting in transition. The Nets’ lead grew as large as 17 points.

The Gold mounted a sustained comeback effort in the fourth quarter, chipping the lead down to a single possession multiple times in the final minutes. A 3-pointer by Curtis Jones brought Grand Rapids within 108-106 with just over three minutes remaining. Long Island responded with key baskets from Smith and Grant Nelson to push the advantage back to six points. In the final 30 seconds, the Nets sealed the game at the free-throw line, with E.J. Liddell making two clutch shots to establish the final margin.

Smith, the Nets’ point guard, was instrumental in the victory, facilitating the offense during the pivotal third quarter and scoring key baskets down the stretch. Etienne provided critical perimeter scoring, particularly during the game-changing run. For the Gold, center Moses Brown was a force inside throughout the contest, but Grand Rapids could not sustain its offensive flow after halftime.

With the win, Long Island improved its season record to 17 wins and 14 losses. Grand Rapids fell to 16-14. The two teams are scheduled to meet again at the same venue on Thursday, Feb. 26.