66ers Hold off Thunderbirds Rally
January 14, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Rio Rancho, NM - The Tulsa 66ers (17-6) held off a second half run by the New Mexico Thunderbirds (11-11) to win their ninth consecutive game by a score of 113-107.
The Tulsa 66ers had seven players score in double figures led by Cole Aldrich who had 18 points.
The 66ers used a hot shooting first quarter to jump out to the early lead. They shot 59.1% (13-22) in the quarter compared to just 31.9% (6-19) for the Thunderbirds and led 35-24 after one quarter. NBA assignee, Aldrich led all scorers with eight points in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Tulsa extended the lead to as many as 14 points. The Thunderbirds would answer with a 19-9 run to make the score 54-50. Shane Edwards came alive for the T-Birds in the second quarter, scoring 11 points to give him a game high 16 at the half. The 66ers closed the half on a quick 6-1 spurt and led 63-53 at the break.
The 66ers held a double digit lead for most of the third quarter and extended it to as many as 18 points. With 1:12 remaining in the quarter, Tulsa led 89-76, but the T-Birds closed the quarter by scoring six straight points to make it a seven point game heading into the final quarter.
New Mexico continued their run into the fourth quarter, scoring the first basket of the quarter to make it a five point game. Tulsa answered by pushing the lead back to double digits with a 5-0 run of their own. With under a minute to go in the game and the T-Birds down by five points Stephen McDowell hit a three pointer to make it a two point game. The 66ers scored as the shot clock expired on their next possession to push the lead to four points and went on to win by six.
Edwards led all scorers with 24 points in the game.
The Thunderbirds and 66ers will play again tomorrow night from the Santa Ana Star Center at 7:30 p.m.
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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