Skyforce Force Their Way to Second Straight Win Over Thunderbirds
March 10, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Albuquerque, N.M., March 9, 2007 - The Sioux Falls Skyforce soared to their second straight victory over the Albuquerque Thunderbirds Friday night winning 99 to 89. Tony Bland registered an impressive double-double in the loss for the Thunderbirds, leading all players with 23 points and 13 assists.
Frank Williams led the Skyforce in scoring for the second night in a row scoring 19 points, 12 of which came in the second half. Sioux Falls had five other players score in double digits including Damone Brown and Amir Johnson who recorded double-doubles, Johnson had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Brown had another 11 rebounds to go along with 13 points.
The Thunderbirds had four players other than Bland score in double figures, including Brandon Robinson, 17 points, Andreas Glyniadakis, 15 points, Steven Barber, 12 points and Chris Shumate, 11 points. Duane Erwin also helped out with a team high 12 rebounds in the loss.
Brown had 9 of his points in the first quarter as the Skyforce shot 50% from the field helping to open up a 28 - 19 lead through one quarter of play. Sioux Falls out rebounded the Thunderbirds 17 - 8 in the quarter helping them outscore Albuquerque 22 to 12 in the paint.
Sioux Falls continued to shoot well early in the second quarter stretching their lead to 16 at one point, before Albuquerque found their touch. Robinson had nine points in the second quarter and Steven Barber came off the bench late to pitch in 7 more, helping the Thunderbirds pull within 3 at the half, 48 - 45.
Robinson scored 6 of the Thunderbirds' first 9 points out of the locker room to give the Thunderbirds their first lead of the game early in the third quarter. The Skyforce battled back late in the quarter on the back of Stephen Graham's 7 points to take a 71 - 64 lead into the fourth quarter.
Sioux Falls continues their five game road trip this Sunday, March 11th in Bakersfield, CA. against the Jam; game time is set for 6:00pm Pacific Coast Time.
The Thunderbirds get back to action this Sunday against the division leading Idaho Stampede, game time is set for 3:00pm at Tingley Coliseum. Sunday's matinee will be Family Day brought to you by McDonalds, families will be able to purchase 4 tickets for $20.
The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Anaheim Arsenal (Calif.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Bakersfield Jam (Calif.), Colorado 14ers (Broomfield), Dakota Wizards (Bismarck, N.D.), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Idaho Stampede (Boise), Los Angeles D-Fenders, Sioux Falls Skyforce (S.D.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.). Expansion teams in Orem, Utah, the Rio Grande Valley in Texas and Des Moines, Iowa have also been announced for the 2007-08 season.
The D-League continues to develop talent from across all disciplines for the NBA's 30 teams and the entire NBA umbrella. Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices.
For information on premium seating and general information about the Albuquerque Thunderbirds call (505) 265-DUNK or log on to www.abqtbirds.com.
NBA G League Stories from March 10, 2007
- 14ers Sweep Season Series Against D-Fenders - Colorado 14ers
- 66ers clain third consecutive victory - Tulsa 66ers
- Stampede make room for rebounder - Idaho Stampede
- D-League daily developments - G League
- Skyforce Force Their Way to Second Straight Win Over Thunderbirds - New Mexico Thunderbirds
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