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D-Fenders Stop Streaking Thunderbirds

March 23, 2008 - NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release


EL SEGUNDO, CA - The Los Angeles D-Fenders used a strong performance from Jelani McCoy on their way to defeating the visiting Albuquerque Thunderbirds, 112-107, Sunday at STAPLES Center.

The two teams entered the final quarter knotted up at 82; after exchanging baskets and the score tied at 95 apiece with 6:26 remaining, Los Angeles went 10-10 from the free throw line, sealing the victory. Los Angeles (29-13) was able to get back in the win column after dropping two in a row, including a 16-point loss in Albuquerque the previous Sunday.

"I thought that we had a great team effort tonight." said D-Fenders Head Coach Dan Panaggio. "After losing two straight games and losing some of our players, our guys were able to rally around each other and get the win. Jelani was huge tonight. He's on top of his game right now and he's really playing like an NBA player."

Albuquerque started the game strong, jumping out to an 18-6 lead midway through the first quarter. The D-Fenders countered with a three minute spurt in the second quarter where they outscored the Thunderbirds, 15-0. Los Angeles went into the locker room at halftime with a 56-53 advantage.

After missing Friday's game with a groin injury, McCoy poured in a season-high 22 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Sean Banks chipped in with a double-double of his own with a game-high 27 points and 10 boards. Off the bench, Wendell White chipped in with 19.

"I'm the veteran of the team so I knew that I had to step up," McCoy added. "They cut into our lead a few times but when we set up our offense, we are hard to stop because so many people can score."

Albuquerque had its six-game winning streak snapped, sending them to 20-23 on the season. Alando Tucker, on assignment from the Phoenix Suns, led six Thunderbirds players in double-figures with 26. Julius Hodge just missed out on a triple-double, notching 12 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists and Kevin Pittsnogle chipped in with 22 and 12 boards in the loss.

"They played very well;" said Thunderbirds Head Coach Jeff Ruland. "We didn't play well enough on the defensive end to get a win and every game is very precious for us, so it is very disappointing."

The D-Fenders will look host the Colorado 14ers on Wednesday, March 26th at STAPLES Center with a 3:30 scheduled tip-off. Albuquerque will travel to Rio Grande Valley for a Friday night matchup with the Vipers.

On Sunday, March 30th, the first 500 fans in attendance for the D-Fenders game against the Iowa Energy will receive a coupon good for one (1) FREE BURRITO courtesy of Chipotle Mexican Grill. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30pm.

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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.

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