Johnson, Byars Lift Jam Over Thunderbirds
March 2, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
Bakersfield Jam News Release
Rio Rancho, NM, March 2, 2011 - Trey Johnson finished with 33 points and Derrick Byars with 32 as the Bakersfield Jam (23-14) defeated the New Mexico Thunderbirds (15-23) 127-106 at the Santa Ana Star Center on Wednesday night.
The Jam used a hot shooting first quarter to jump out to an early lead against the Thunderbirds. Bakersfield shot 71.4% in the first quarter led by Byars who had 10 points and Johnson who had 9 to take a 36-16 lead after one quarter.
J.R. Giddens led a big second quarter run for the T-Birds that helped them get back within eight points with 6:22 left in the half. Giddens ended up with 17 points in the quarter, but the Jam closed the half on a 21-11 run to take a 66-48 lead into the locker room at the half.
In the third quarter, the Jam extended their lead to as many as 30 points and led 98-69 with 2:29 left in the quarter. The Thunderbirds would finish the third quarter on a 12-0 run capped by a long Giddens' 3-pointer at the buzzer to make the score 98-81 heading into the fourth.
Jamine Peterson hit a 3-pointer with 7:59 left in the fourth that cut the Jam lead down to 106-92. Bakersfield would answer by scoring the next seven points to open up a 21 point lead and take control of the game.
In addition to Giddens' scoring 24 points off the bench, Peterson also finished with 28 points and Josh Bostic had 21 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
For the Jam, Drew Naymick had 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots on the night. Stephen Dennis scored 12 points and Kenny Taylor added 10.
Bakersfield returns home for the back-to-back games against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Jam Events Center.
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