Dakota Downs Albuquerque, Snaps a Three Game Skid
February 1, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., January 31, 2007, -- The Dakota Wizards snapped a three game losing streak Wednesday night by defeating the Albuquerque Thunderbirds 98 to 91 at Tingley Coliseum. Joe Shipp led all scorers with 25 points in a losing effort for the Thunderbirds; Maurice Baker led the way for the Wizards with 21 points on 7 of 14 shooting.
The game featured many familiar faces to Albuquerque fans, former UNM Lobo and current Dakota Wizard Alfred Neal had 8 points and 6 assists in the game. For the Thunderbirds it marked the return of forward Dijon Thompson from the Atlanta Hawks, and center Andreas Glyniadakis from the Seattle Supersonics, the two combined for 13 points and 8 rebounds in the game.
Renaldo Major had 19 points in the game for the Wizards, and Quemont Greer pitched in 16 in the win. Cedric Bozeman recorded a double-double for the Thunderbirds, 11 rebounds and 15 points, and Tony Bland pitched in 14 points on 5 of 11 shooting.
The Thunderbirds opened the game with tough defense holding Dakota to less than 50 percent shooting from the floor in the first quarter, helping Albuquerque open up a 25-18 at the end of the first quarter. Dakota outscored Albuquerque 23-9 in the second quarter boosting them to a 41-34 halftime lead.
Cedric Bozeman had 10 points on 4 of 4 shooting in the third quarter, as both teams shot the ball well, combining for 69 points in the quarter. Albuquerque clawed their way back into the game late in the third pulling within one, 70-69, after three quarters.
Both teams will be at Isleta Resort and Casino's new Fun Connection to meet and great fans on Thursday, February 1st, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, before getting back to action against one another Friday, February 2nd, 7:00pm at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque. Friday's will be mini-ball night, brought to you by Tomenstock, the first 500 fans will receive a free Thunderbirds mini-ball.
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.
NBA G League Stories from February 1, 2007
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- Dakota Downs Albuquerque, Snaps a Three Game Skid - New Mexico Thunderbirds
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