Second Half Surge Lifts Toros Over Thunderbirds
Published on February 3, 2006 under NBA G League (G League)
Austin Spurs News Release
Austin, TEXAS, February 2, 2006 - Leading by as many as 18 points during the third quarter, the Toros used a strong first half to build a lead that they never relinquished to defeat the Albuquerque Thunderbirds 99-93 at the Austin Convention Center. Marcus Fizer led all scorers with a double-double performance of 24 points and 11 rebounds as the Toros improved to 13-11.
Both teams traded baskets early in the first quarter. Following three ties and two lead changes, the Toros took the early advantage after a 14-3 rally to close the quarter. Toros guards connected on 4-of-6 baskets from three point range, including two from guard Ramel Curry in less than two minutes of play.
Thunderbirds newcomer Darren Brooks, who joined the team today, attempted to ignite the T-birds offense in the second quarter with eight points including 2-of-2 from behind the arc. But three baskets in a row by Jamar Smith sparked the Toros late in the quarter to extend the lead by 10 points, 50-40. Fizer and Ezra Williams recorded eight combined points to close the half as the Toros held on to a nine-point advantage.
"We moved the ball well tonight," Toros head Coach Dennis Johnson said. "We were able to kick it out and to do some nice things with the basketball."
Ramel Curry finished with 21 points recording 8-of-13 baskets and four assists. Williams had 16 points and nine rebounds. Williams and Curry combined for 4-7 from behind the arc.
"When you have shooters you can stretch out the game," Johnson said. "It makes it easier for the big men in the paint - they have no room to roam."
A three pointer by C.J. Miles cut the Toros lead to 81-74 with 9:07 left in the fourth period but the Thunderbirds would not be able to rally down the stretch as they fall to the Toros by a six point margin.
Five Thunderbird players finished with double digit performances. Tierre Brown led the T-birds with 19 points and seven assists and Marcus Douthit had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunderbirds. Yuta Tabuse and newcomer Darren Brooks chipped in with 12 points each and Andreas Glyniadakis added with 10 points respectively.
The Austin Toros and the Albuquerque Thunderbirds meet again Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center.
NBA G League Stories from February 3, 2006
- Flyers Escape With Win Over Dazzle - Fort Worth Flyers
- Celtics Recall Green From Fayetteville Patriots - Fayetteville Patriots
- Jazz Recall C.J. Miles from Thunderbirds - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- D-League Daily Developments - G League
- Second Half Surge Lifts Toros Over Thunderbirds - Austin Spurs
- Second Half Surge Lifts Toros Over Thunderbirds - Austin Spurs
- Second Half Surge Lifts Toros Over Thunderbirds - Austin Spurs
- Second Half Surge Lifts Toros Over Thunderbirds - Austin Spurs
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