SkyForce Snap Thunderbirds Win Streak
March 9, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Albuquerque, N.M., March 8, 2007 -- The Sioux Falls SkyForce defeated the Albuquerque Thunderbirds 111 to 96 Friday night snapping the Thunderbirds seven game winning streak. The SkyForce were led in scoring by Frank Williams' 30 points on 7 of 15 shooting.
The game included a handful of technical fouls and four ejections for the Thunderbirds. Coach Cooper was ejected in the 3rd quarter for arguing with an official. Andreas Glyniadakis was ejected early in the 4th for conduct. With two minutes remaining in the game, Thunderbirds Assistant Coach Joe Harge and forward Brandon Robinson were ejected for taunting.
Sioux Falls had five players score in double-digits including Robert Hite's 21 points off the bench, Stephen Graham pitched in 16 points and Elton Nesbitt had another 17 for the Sky Force.
Robinson led five Thunderbird players in double-digits with 22 points on 9 of 12 shooting. Duane Erwin had 15 points and 9 rebounds, Dijon Thompson had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Chris Rodgers set the tempo early in the first quarter, pushing the ball down the court at a blistering pace. The Thunderbirds were able to open up the game on a 13-7 run and hold off the SkyForce to lead by five after one quarter, 28-23.
Sioux Falls opened the second quarter on a 7-2 run and outscored the Thunderbirds 31-20 in the quarter to take a 54 - 48 lead into the half. Williams led all scorers in the first half with 11 points on 3 of 7 shooting.
The Thunderbirds came out of the locker on a hot streak before Brandon Robinson was knocked hard to the court by former Thunderbird Eddy Fobbs. Following the collision, Robinson lay motionless on the court for five minutes before walking off under his own power. Despite several attempts by the Thunderbirds to foul and stop the clock while Robinson lay on the court, play continued. When the clock finally stopped, Thunderbirds Head Coach Michael Cooper was called for a technical foul and ejected for arguing with an official. Sioux Falls maintained their composure and extended their lead to 10 after three quarters.
These two teams square off again tomorrow, Friday, March 9th. Game time is set for 7:00pm at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, NM. Following tomorrows game, Fans will be able to meet and get autographs from famous New Mexico Boxers like Ray Sanchez III.
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.
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NBA G League Stories from March 9, 2007
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- D-League daily developments - G League
- SkyForce Snap Thunderbirds Win Streak - New Mexico Thunderbirds
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