T-Birds Push Win Streak to Four With Win Over Reno
January 9, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - The short handed Albuquerque Thunderbirds held on to defeat the Reno Bighorns, 97-95, on Saturday night to push their win streak to four games. Carlos Powell led a balanced attack for Albuquerque with 22 points.
Albuquerque led 47-46 at the half, and held a four point lead heading into the fourth period. The T-Birds shot just 5 for 20 from deep through the first three quarters, but connected on five triples in the final frame.
Chad Toppert hit a deep three to put the Thunderbirds on top 75-73, and followed up a Powell layup with another three just one minute later to push the lead to seven. The team led 89-80 with 2:30 to go, but Reno scored the next seven to make it a two point game with 1:20 to play.
Powell, Antoine Agudio and Jason Horton combined to make eight free throws in the final minute, and Yaroslav Korolev intercepted the inbounds pass with less than a second play to preserve the victory for the T-Birds. Chad Toppert scored 19 for Albuquerque. Kevin Pittsnogle (18), Antoine Agudio (17) and Yaroslav Korolev (16) also scored in double figures, while Jason Horton reached double figures in assists with 10.
Rod Benson led the way for Reno with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Mo Charlo narrowly missed a triple double for the visitors with 12 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists.
Albuquerque shot 45.8% from the field, holding Reno to 43.0%. The game featured 10 ties and 13 lead changes.
Earlier in the day, Powell was named to the 2010 NBA D-League All-Showcase First Team for his efforts in Boise, Idaho during the week. He was joined on the first team by Dontell Jefferson (Utah), Reggie Williams (Sioux Falls), Anthony Tolliver (Idaho), and Joey Dorsey (Rio Grande Valley Vipers).
The Thunderbirds will host the Utah Flash tomorrow at Tingley Coliseum. The game begins at 3 pm, and will be the team's first Family Day of the season. Fans are encouraged to participate in the team's White Elephant Gift Exchange, and should bring an inexpensive gift to take part in the exchange. The first 500 kids through the door will receive a Lazer Tag Pass to Hinkle Family Fun Center.
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NBA G League Stories from January 9, 2010
- Austin and Idaho split two game series - Idaho Stampede
- Bighorns fall to Albuquerque - Reno Bighorns
- T-Birds Push Win Streak to Four With Win Over Reno - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Return By Harris Sparks Vipers' Win Over Energy - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Armor win in overtime - Springfield Armor
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- Jam Reacquires Hurdle, Releases Longar - Bakersfield Jam
- 66ers White, Shakur Named To All-Showcase Teams - Tulsa 66ers
- Dorsey, Temple And Anderson Receive NBA Development League Showcase Honors - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Top Prospects Highlight 2010 NBA D-League All-Showcase Teams - G League
- 2009 D-League Rookie Of The Year Jeffers Returns To Energy - Iowa Wolves
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
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