RENO, Nev.— In a virtual must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Reno Bighorns took care of business Friday night, using a big fourth-quarter effort to top the Western Conference leading Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 114-101, in the Reno Events Center.

After the Bighorns (21-21) held a narrow six-point advantage at intermission, Rio Grande Valley (30-13) hit its stride after halftime, outscoring Reno 34-25 in the third quarter. But the final period of play belonged to the Bighorns, as Reno posted 35 points in the fourth to cruise to the crucial victory.

With the win, Reno remains 1.5 games behind Utah for the final NBA D-League playoff spot. Eight games remain on Reno’s schedule, with six to be played at home.

Desmon Farmer led all scorers with 28 points, and Rod Benson narrowly missed out on a double-double with 21 points and nine boards for Reno. Yaroslav Korolev finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds, and the Bighorns received a clutch performance off the bench for Chris Davis, who collected eight points and four assists.

Michael Harris led four Vipers in double figures with 24 points and 10 boards. Julian Sensley finished with 22 points, and Will Conroy dished-out 12 assists.

The Bighorns and Vipers will hook-up again on Saturday night in the Reno Events Center. Tip-time is set for 7 p.m. PT. Tickets are on-sale now at www.RenoBighorns.com, the Reno Events Center Box Office, Silver Legacy Box Office, or by visiting any Northern Nevada Ticketmaster location or Web site.