Giddens Catches Fire, But T-Birds Fall to Jam
March 2, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Rio Rancho, NM - J.R. Giddens scored 17 points in the second quarter and finished with a team high 24 points, but the New Mexico Thunderbirds (15-23) fell to the Bakersfield Jam (23-14) 127-106 on Wednesday night.
The Jam used a hot shooting first quarter to jump out to an early lead against the Thunderbirds. Bakersfield shot 71.4% in the first quarter led by Byars who had 10 points and Johnson who had 9 to take a 36-16 lead after one quarter.
J.R. Giddens led a big second quarter run for the T-Birds that helped them get back within eight points with 6:22 left in the half. Giddens ended up with 17 points in the quarter, but the Jam closed the half on a 21-11 run to take a 66-48 lead into the locker room at the half.
In the third quarter, the Jam extended their lead to as many as 30 points and led 98-69 with 2:29 left in the quarter. The Thunderbirds would finish the third quarter on a 12-0 run capped by a long Giddens' 3-pointer at the buzzer to make the score 98-81 heading into the fourth.
Jamine Peterson hit a 3-pointer with 7:59 left in the fourth that cut the Jam lead down to 106-92. The Jame would answer by scoring the next seven points to open up a 21 point lead and take control of the game.
In addition to Giddens' scoring, Peterson also finished with 28 points and Josh Bostic had 21 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
The T-Birds will play two games on the road this weekend against the Utah Flash on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. They will then return home to continue March Giveaway Madness on Friday, March 11 with Susan G. Komen for the Cure Night with a Thundercat Sticker giveaway.
On Saturday, March 12 the Thunderbirds will be hosting Hispanic Heritage Night sponsors by Univision and Premier Distributing Company. The T-Birds will be donating $4 of every ticket purchased to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. The night will include a postgame concert featuring the National Institute of Flamenco, Kymberlee Ann Lopez and Sorela. All fans will also have the opportunity to win Lakers tickets, a Taos Ski Valley Vacation, an Angel Fire Deluxe Ski Vacation and a VIP Package to Ty Murray Invitational.
Thunderbirds' season tickets are currently on sale, with full and partial season packages available. Single game tickets are also now available online at www.nmtbirds.com or by calling 505-265-3865. The Thunderbirds also offer family four packs: 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 nachos, and 4 drinks for $44.
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NBA G League Stories from March 2, 2011
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