Jam Hold Off Thunderbirds
Published on February 24, 2010 under NBA G League (G League)
Bakersfield Jam News Release
(Bakersfield, Calif. - February 23, 2010) - After losing two weekend games to the Austin Toros by a total of three points, the Bakersfield Jam got a much-needed 102-97 victory over the Albuquerque Thunderbirds on Tuesday night despite playing with only seven healthy bodies thanks to injuries and illness.
Bakersfield's Brian Butch led the way from start to finish, dropping early three-pointers and working hard inside to finish with an unconventional triple-double: 11 offensive rebounds, 13 defensive rebounds and 30 points (not to mention two steals). He also overcame early-game struggles from the foul line and sank two big free throws with 6.7 seconds remaining to clinch the victory.
The Jam also got an impressive performance from reserve forward Will Daniels, who finished with 24 points, four rebounds, a block and a steal despite playing less than 20 minutes. Blake Ahearn struggled with his jump shot, but still added 12 assists to the cause (with only two turnovers).
Keith McLeod led Albuquerque with his solid point guard play, piling up 21 points and 13 assists, while the always well-rounded Carlos Powell filled the stat sheet with 18 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists despite playing most of the second half in foul trouble. Chad Toppert played well off the bench, scoring 17 points on 6-for-10 shooting (4-for-8 from three-point land) including a fourth-quarter stretch where he scored ten straight for the T-Birds.
In the end, however, the Jam repeatedly turned back Albuquerque's advances in the final period and sank big free throws down the stretch - four straight makes from Daniels in addition to Butch's two in the final seconds - to ensure a victory in the finale of their three game stretch at the Jam Events Center.
Patrick Mutombo scored 14 points in his first start for Bakersfield, while Reece Gaines and Jeremy Wise added 13 each to round out the Jam's double-figure scorers. Shane Edwards and Antoine Agudio had 17 and 13 respectively for Albuquerque.
The Jam will head to Austin for a Saturday game against the Toros (to be televised by Versus network starting at 8pm PT) before facing Rio Grande Valley on Sunday. The T-Birds, meanwhile, return home to host the Idaho Stampede on Thursday night.
A complete box score for this game can be found at: http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/boxscore.jsp?gameId2020900247.
NBA G League Stories from February 24, 2010
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- Vipers Acquire Sean Barnette - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Red Claws Celebrate One Year Anniversary Thursday - Maine Celtics
- Harris Earns Gatorade Call-Up To Washington - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Rio Grande Valley's Harris Signs With Washington Wizards - G League
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
- Jam Hold Off Thunderbirds - Bakersfield Jam
- Thunderbirds Edged By Bakersfield, 102-97 - New Mexico Thunderbirds
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