Justin Harper posted his second straight career-best game Saturday night, scoring 20 points and grabbing seven rebounds to lead Strasbourg IG past Roanne, 93-80, in Ligue Nationale de Basketball action. In a team-leading 38 minutes, the Orlando Magic rookie shot 7-of-14 from the floor (2-of-4 on threes) and 4-of-5 from the foul line to bring Strasbourg back to the .500 mark at 3-3.
To those scoring and rebound totals, Harper added a steal, a block, and a turnover. Strasbourg teammate Lavoy Allen, a Philadelphia 76ers rookie, added 19 points, while Ricardo Greer scored 20 more for the victors.
Former Magic point guard Andre Barrett led Roanne with 20 points and five assists.
As the NBA lockout wears on--Saturday marked its 134th day--the combo forward's decision to sign overseas in order to earn money and develop as a player looks increasingly more intelligent. If and when the NBA resolves its work stoppage, Harper's contract includes a clause which will enable him to return stateside and begin his NBA career with Orlando, which acquired his draft rights from the Cleveland Cavaliers the night of the 2011 NBA Draft.
On the season, the former Richmond Spider is posting per-game averages of 13.0 points and 6.3 rebounds in 28 minutes, shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 37 percent from beyond the three-point arc.