Albuquerque Grabs a Win in a School House Jam Match-up With Bakersfield
February 6, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., February 06, 2007, -- Despite shooting 38.8% for the game, the Thunderbirds fought their way to a 93-87 victory with the help of guards Cedric Bozeman and Joe Shipp who scored 22 each. Kevin Pinkney led all scorers with 25 for the Jam.
Things started off slowly for Albuquerque who hosted their annual School House Jam, a educational day game played for children from surrounding schools. Bakersfield jumped out to a 23-7 lead halfway through the first quarter by shooting 80% from the floor. Patrick O'Bryant had 10 of his 22 points for Bakersfield during that stretch.
Albuquerque went on a run of their own, and halfway through the second quarter they were up 36-33. Shipp provided the spark off the bench scoring 10 points during the run. There were four ties and four lead changes in the hectic second quarter which ended with a 3-point basket by Bozeman at the buzzer, cutting the Bakersfield lead to 46-39.
The half-time show for the kids was a game between mascots from local teams and businesses, starring Trey of the Thunderbirds. A representative from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) spoke to the audience about the dangers of underage drinking as well.
The T-Birds only gained a point on the visiting team in the third quarter, and when the fourth quarter started the Jam held a slim lead of 66-60. Shipp took over the game again, nailing three consecutive shots from 3pt. line-his last and most important was a four-point play with less than two minutes remaining in the game. He was 5-6 from behind the arc for the game.
The T-Birds hit their free-throws down the stretch to seal the win. Bakersfield guard Gerry McNamara dished out a game high 15 assists, but managed only 10 points on 3-13 shooting from the field. Albuquerque forward Dijon Thompson added 18 points, and has been selected for the Gillette D-League All-Star Game in association with 24 Hour Fitness in Las Vegas on February 17th.
The Thunderbirds will travel to Tulsa for a game on Saturday, then return to face the Arkansas RimRockers on Tuesday, February 13th at 7 pm for a special Sweethearts Game.
The NBA D-League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Anaheim Arsenal (Calif.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Bakersfield Jam (Calif.), Colorado 14ers (Broomfield), Dakota Wizards (Bismarck, N.D.), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Idaho Stampede (Boise), Los Angeles D-Fenders, Sioux Falls Skyforce (S.D.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.). Expansion teams have already been awarded to Oren, Utah and the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas for the 2007-08 season.
The D-League continues to develop talent from across all disciplines' for the NBA's 30 teams and the entire NBA umbrella. Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit NBADLEAGUE.com.
For information on premium seating and general information about the Albuquerque Thunderbirds call (505) 265-DUNK or log on to www.abqtbirds.com.
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