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RimRockers defeat T-birds

February 17, 2006 - NBA G League (G League)
Arkansas RimRockers News Release


Little Rock, Arkansas - Anthony Roberson had 20 points and 7 rebounds to lead the Arkansas RimRockers over the Albuquerque Thunderbirds 88-84. The win earned the RimRockers the series lead between the teams (3-2) and put them one win away from the .500 mark.

"This is the best I've seen Roberson play," RimRockers coach Andy Stoglin said. "He was really in tune to the game tonight. As a whole though, the team did better tonight. We took our time and stayed cool under pressure and it paid off."

The RimRockers showed up at Alltel Arena with determination to win at home. They jumped out to a very quick lead early in the game. Compared to the Thunderbirds zero fast break points, the RimRockers dictated the pace of the game with their four. At the end of the first quarter, they led the T-birds 20-16. Marcus Douthit enabled Albuquerque to remain close, carrying the team with 7 points and 5 rebounds.

The latest addition to the RimRockers line-up, Marcus Campbell, got into the game late in the first half, but was unable to contribute to the final score. The RimRockers continued to move the ball well, but the Thunderbirds' patience paid off. They outscored Arkansas 22-18 in the second quarter and both teams finished the half tied at 38.

Lack of solid defense hurt the RimRockers in the third quarter as Yuta Tabuse hit a hot streak and scored 10 of his 14 points in the first 7 minutes. Both teams guarded the perimeter well but the RimRockers utilized their big men better, scoring 18 points in the paint compared to the T-birds' 8.

The Thunderbirds decided to pick up their pace in the final quarter to try to edge the RimRockers and scored 8 fast-breaking points, but it wasn't enough in the final minutes of play to take the lead from the home team. The RimRockers buckled down and controlled the ball, enabling Clay Tucker to sink a final three-pointer and win the game.

"I feel good about this win. Our attitudes will be right going into the next few days of hard practicing. This win is the spark we needed to get us going again," Stoglin said.

Although Roberson led the game in scoring, Kareem Reid (16), Clay Tucker (15) and Brian Jackson (12) all finished in double figures for the RimRockers. Five Thunderbirds saw double digits by their names at the final. Marcus Douthit poured in 17, Tierre Brown added 15, Yata Tabuse finished with 14 and both Ken Johnson and TJ Cummings contributed 10 points.

The RimRockers will have a whole week in Arkansas to practice before traveling to Fayetteville to take on the Patriots on February 25.



NBA G League Stories from February 17, 2006


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