Thunderbirds Come From Behind to Top Toros
December 4, 2009 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Keith McLeod scored 27 points, 16 of which came in the fourth quarter, and dished out 10 assists as the Albuquerque Thunderbirds came from behind to knock off the Austin Toros 119 to 110 at Tingley Coliseum. Carlos Powell added a season high with 26 points and eight rebounds, and Yaroslav Korolev also topped the twenty point mark, with a season high 22 points and nine rebounds.
The Thunderbirds got out to an early 16 - 9 lead behind seven quick points from Korolev, and led 31 - 25 at the end of the first quarter. The Toros took their first lead of the game with 7:00 to play in the second, 40-38, and went on to take a 59 - 56 lead at the half. Powell and Korolev paced the T-Birds with 14 apiece at intermission.
Albuquerque trailed for much of the second half, but closed the gap to 88-87 on a deep three from Kevin Pittsnogle. The T-Birds tied it up at the 9:05 mark after three Keith McLeod free throws, and took their first lead of the second half (94-92) with 8:29 to go after another deep shot from Pittsnogle.
The Toros scored six unanswered points to take a 98-94 lead, but Albuquerque surged back with five quick points to take a lead it would never relinquish. Albuquerque led 112-106 with 1:30 to play and pushed the lead to 117-108 with 41.4 to go. McLeod hit ten free throws down the stretch to keep the Toros at bay.
Malik Hairston, who was assigned to the Toros earlier in the day, scored 23 points for the visitors. Dwayne Jones also scored 23 for Austin, adding 16 rebounds. Curtis Jerrels (20), Alonzo Gee (16) and Lewis Clinch (10) also scored in double figures for the Toros.
Antoine Agudio scored 13 and Tony Danridge added 10 for the Thunderbirds.
The game featured 10 ties and five lead changes. Albuquerque shot 53.8% from the field, while Austin shot 50.6%.
The team set early season highs in first quarter points (31), first half points (56), fourth quarter points (38) and points in a game (119). McLeod's 27 points and 10 assists were both individual Thunderbirds season highs.
The Thunderbirds will be in action tomorrow (Dec. 5) when they again host the Austin Toros. The game will start at 7:00 pm, and will take place at Tingley Coliseum.
Thunderbirds Season Tickets and mini plans are still available for as low as $4 per game. Call 505.265.3865 or visit www.abqtbirds.com for more information.
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