Albuquerque Holds Off Erie for Second Showcase Victory
Published on January 7, 2009 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
OREM, Utah, Jan. 7, 2009 - Keith McLeod converted a jumper from the top of the key with 35.7 seconds to play and then made the back end of a pair of free throw attempts 30 seconds later to secure a 96-95 victory for Albuquerque over Erie at the NBA Development League Showcase Wednesday at the McKay Events Center.
The Thunderbirds improved to 5-10 with their third consecutive victory and return home to host Rio Grande Valley on Friday. Erie dipped to 9-8 and is host to Fort Wayne on Friday.
Albuquerque led by as many as 22 points, but Erie chipped away and tied the game at 92 on a pair of Oliver Lafayette free throws with 51.4 seconds to go. McLeod's free throw stretched the Albuquerque lead to 96-92 with 5.6 left. A three by Lafayette with 1.8 seconds left cut the T-Bird lead to the final margin.
Albuquerque led 46-40 at the half, but outscored the BayHawks 31-18 in the third quarter for what looked to be a comfortable lead. Erie turned the tables in the fourth, outscoring Albuquerque 37-19.
"We hit Erie early, and by the time they came back I think it was just a little too late, but that's a good team, they're a very good team," Albuquerque guard Will Conroy said. "Their second unit came in and played very well."
Will Conroy scored 24 points to pace Albuquerque. David Monds contributed 17, while Cory Underwood and McLeod had 15 points apiece. David Noel rounded out double-figure scorers for the Thunderbirds with 12.
Lafayette had a game-high 28 points for Erie, followed by Ivan Harris with 20. Erik Daniels added 12 and Jarvis Gunter 11 for the BayHawks.
NBA G League Stories from January 7, 2009
- Brown Leads Reno to Showcase Win - Reno Bighorns
- Albuquerque Holds Off Erie for Second Showcase Victory - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Iowa Edges Fort Wayne at 2009 Showcase - G League
- Spurs Announce First Fan Call-Up - Austin Spurs
- Sioux Falls Defeats Rio Grande Valley at D-League Showcase - G League
- Vipers Acquire Marcus Hubbard - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
- Walker Leads Flash Balanced Attack En Route to Victory - Utah Flash
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