Albuquerque Defeated By Austin
December 9, 2009 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
AUSTIN, TEXAS, Dec. 9, 2009 - Ketih McLeod notched 25 points and 9 assists, and Yaroslav Korolev had his second straight double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, but the Thunderbirds came up short against the Austin Toros for the second consecutive game, falling 109 - 104.
Thirteen of McLeod's 25 came from the free throw line, as he was able get into the lane and draw fouls from Austin's defenders throughout the contest. The Thunderbrids led by as many as 8 points, but the team was outscored 35 - 27 in the fourth quarter as Austin held on for the win.
The Toros led 49 - 48 at the half, but Albuquerque came out firing in the third quarter, and the team was able to take a 77 -74 lead heading into the fourth. Antoine Agudio scored the first six points in the third, and Chad Toppert hit back-to-back threes late in the period to help the team overcome the narrow halftime deficit.
The game was close throughout the fourth quarter, and the Thunderbirds held a one point lead with 90 seconds to play. Albuquerque managed just a single basket the rest of the way, as Austin closed the game with an 8 - 2 run to get the win. Curtis Jerrells scored 12 of the Toros final 16 points.
Alonzo Gee led the Toros with 32 points. Dwayne Jones added 13 points and 15 rebounds for Austin, while Jerrells notched a career high with 22 points. Lewis Clinch (11) also scored in double figures for the home team.
The game featured 21 lead changes and 11 ties. Austin shot 57.1% from the field for the game, while Albuquerque managed just 43.0%.
Carlos Powell added 23 points for Albuquerque, while Agudio (12) and Toppert (11) also scored in double figures.
The Thunderbirds fall to 2 - 3 on the season, while Austin improves to 4 - 4.
The Thunderbirds will be in action next on Dec. 10 when they travel to McAllen, Texas to take on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The game will start at 6:30 pm MT and take place at Dodge Arena.
You can bring your group out to a Thunderbirds game for as low as $4 per ticket. Call 505.265.3865 or visit www.abqtbirds.com for more information.
• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...
NBA G League Stories from December 9, 2009
- Toros Defeat Albuquerque Thunderbirds 109-104 - Austin Spurs
- Albuquerque Defeated By Austin - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Los Angeles Prevails Over Bakersfield - Los Angeles D-Fenders
- 66ers Announce Double-Header For December 18 - Tulsa 66ers
- Jam Reacquire Top Draft Pick Sy - Bakersfield Jam
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
- Toys For Tots Night This Sunday - Maine Celtics
- Springfield Armor Announce Roster Change - Springfield Armor
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
