T-Birds Drop Second Straight Game to Idaho
February 26, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Keith McLeod scored 33 points and dished out 6 assists, but the Thunderbirds fourth-quarter rally came up just short as the team fell to the Idaho Stampede, 105-100, on Friday night.
The loss was the team's second in as many nights, and dropped the team's record to 17-18 on the season.
McLeod, 10 of 21 from the field, scored 15 points in the fourth quarter. Chad Toppert added 14 for Albuquerque, while Antoine Agudio finished with 13.
The game started much like last night's contest, and the Stampede raced to a 38-21 lead early in the second quarter. Albuquerque once again battled back, and trailed just 55-47 at the half.
The T-Birds took their first lead since the game's opening minutes at the 6:06 mark in the third quarter, pulling ahead 63-62 on a jump shot from Sasha Cuic. Idaho held a 77-73 lead going into the fourth, a stark contrast from last night's 119-110 shootout.
McLeod and Agudio connected on back-to-back threes to trim the Idaho lead to two with 4:37 to play in the fourth. Idaho responded by outscoring the T-Birds 7-3 over the next two minutes, and the Stampede lead was six as the clock ticked under two minutes.
McLeod scored the T-Birds next six points, and Marcus Hubbard followed up with a three to tie the game with 1:21 remaining.
Idaho's Coby Karl scored a layup on the game's next play, but Antoine Agudio's corner three failed to connect on the T-Birds next possession, giving the Stampede the ball with a chance to make it a two score game.
On Idaho's next possession, Andre Barrett connected on a three as the shot clock expired, giving the Stampede a five point lead with 23 seconds remaining. Idaho added three free throws in the final seconds to hold on for the five point win.
Donell Taylor led the way for Idaho with 24 points. Coby Karl added 19 for the Stampede.
Idaho outrebounded Albuquerque 50-36 in the game.
The team hosted YMCA night during the game, with the "Little Lobos" and "Punishers" taking the floor during halftime.
The T-Birds will be in action next on March 2 when the team travels to take on the Dakota Wizards. Fans can listen to all the action live on 1050 KTBL beginning at 6 pm.
The team will return home on March 5 when the team plays host to the Stampede once again. Call 505-265-3865 for more information on how to bring your group out to the game for as low as $4 per person.
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