Former Thunderbird Troy Bell rings up victory for Austin
Published on January 6, 2007 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., January 5, 2007 -- The Austin Toros had a tough time getting to Albuquerque but former Thunderbird, Troy Bell led all scorers with 27 points and gave Austin their third win in the last four games. The tip off was delayed fifteen minutes due to travel difficulties but the Toros grabbed an early four point lead. The Thunderbirds stormed back to take an eight point lead as John Edwards and Eddy Fobbs combined for 13 points but the Toros made another run and cut the Thunderbird lead to 24-23 at the end of the first.
The Thunderbirds started the second quarter hot and took a seven point lead but turned the ball over six times while Troy Bell and James White continued their assault on the basket and the Toros took a four point lead to the locker room.
Halftime adjustments for the Thunderbirds got Joe Shipp involved and his ten point frame combined with eight points from Tony Bland to cut the Austin lead to two. Troy Bell and Chris Rodgers (his replacement on the Thunderbirds roster) each earned a technical foul as the game became more intense.
The fourth quarter was another nail-biter at Tingley featuring two lead changes and a tie. Steven Barber scored nine to match nine points by Troy Bell but took a nasty spill late in the quarter. He was assisted off the court and will be evaluated as soon as possible. The Thunderbirds took better care of the ball and grabbed eight offensive rebounds in fourth but the Toros shot 58% while the Thunderbirds only hit 34% and the loss puts the T-Birds below .500 for the first time in their brief history.
The Albuquerque Thunderbirds welcomed the largest crowd of the season to Tingley Coliseum for Military Night. Members of the National Guard rappelled from the ceiling to display the colors and the Storm Chasers performed a special halftime tribute to the soldiers at home and abroad. The team hits the road for one game in Anaheim and returns to Tingley next Friday and Saturday at 7pm. The first 500 fans at Friday's game will receive a free water bottle from Eco Water and Universal Water Systems, the official water of the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. The first 1,000 fans on Saturday will receive an autograph card of Tony Bland.
Press Pass members get one free ticket for each ticket they purchase and everyone can get Tony Bland's autograph after the game.
The D-League continues to develop talent from across all disciplines for the NBA's 30 teams and the entire NBA umbrella. This season, 19 NBA teams assigned 29 players to D-League affiliates. There were also 18 GATORADE Call-Ups from the D-League to the NBA. Additionally, every referee hired by the NBA since 2002 has worked in the D-League, while coaches, athletic trainers and front office executives are also being developed.
The NBA D-League is composed of 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.).
Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the league also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit NBADLEAGUE.com.
For premium or group seating call and additional information about the Albuquerque Thunderbirds call (505) 265-DUNK or log on to www.abqtbirds.com.
NBA G League Stories from January 6, 2007
- Edwards Continues to Dominate in Arsenal Victory - Anaheim Arsenal
- 14ers Bury Bakersfield - Colorado 14ers
- Flyers Top RimRockers - Fort Worth Flyers
- Tulsa tops Skyforce - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- Thunderbirds Forward is Fourth GATORADE Call-Up This Season - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Austin Adds Veteran Center Woods - Austin Spurs
- Hawks Sign Albuquerque Forward Thompson - G League
- D-League daily developments - G League
- Former Thunderbird Troy Bell rings up victory for Austin - New Mexico Thunderbirds
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