RimRockers rise above Thunderbirds

December 10, 2005 - NBA G League (G League)
Arkansas RimRockers News Release


Little Rock, Arkansas -Clay Tuckers scored 20 points and had 4 rebounds as the Arkansas RimRockers surged into first place in a 127-111 victory over the Albuquerque Thunderbirds at Alltel Arena.

"Our bigs played really well tonight. I was really pleased with the way we played," Head Coach Joe Harge said. "I had a good feeling before the game, knowing that if we could get ahead early in the game, we could pull out the win."

Although the RimRockers dominated the entire game, the contest was won from the free-throw line, where Arkansas converted a total of 39 of 54 compared to Albuquerque's 28 of 43. Both teams suffered from turnovers and missed opportunities, but the Thunderbirds made the best of the situation and converted 25 points on 27 RimRockers turnovers. The RimRockers made up for their weakness by scoring 66 points in the paint, tapping in 14 second chance points and running away with the game with their 21 fast break points.

"Our guys are starting to catch on and it's really showing. Chris Shumate had such an impressive game. He's developing into a player that we can really count on," Harge said.

Pape Sow of the RimRockers also contributed 20 points and 4 rebounds. Teammates Chris Shumate and James Lang both had breakout games. Shumate scored a season high 10 points and Lang scored a career high 14 points to add to the RimRockers final total.

The Thunderbirds were led by guards Tony Bland and Joe Shipp who contributed 20 points. Every Thunderbird scored at least four points. Albuquerque moves to 4-3 on the season and will face the Tulsa 66ers on December 20. The RimRockers will depart Tuesday for a three-game road trip against the Roanoke Dazzle and will return to Alltel Arena on Dec.22. Jermain Taylor will be the featured celebrity. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.



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