T-Birds Fall to Hot Shooting 66ers
March 18, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Rio Rancho, NM - The Tulsa 66ers (30-14) shot 56.3% from the field on Friday night and topped the New Mexico Thunderbirds (16-27) by a score of 107-91.
Dar Tucker got off to a quick start for the Thunderbirds scoring eight points in the first quarter and the T-Birds led 27-26. Both teams shot over 55% in the quarter.
In the second quarter, the T-Birds opened up a seven point lead on a Josh Bostic basket. Tulsa responded with a 24-10 run to take a 57-50 lead. Led by Larry Owens and Jerome Dyson who each had 14 points at the half, Tulsa held a 59-54 advantage at the break. Bostic finished with 12 points in the half on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting.
Early in the third quarter after the Thunderbirds cut the 66ers lead to one point, Tulsa went on a 10-2 run to open up their largest lead of the game at 72-63. The T-Birds then answered with a 7-0 run to get within two points. Elijah Millsap had a couple of late buckets for the 66ers and helped them bring the lead back up to seven at the end of the third quarter.
Dar Tucker hit a 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter to cut the 66ers lead to six points at 84-78. The 66ers then went on a 6-0 run to give them their largest lead of the game 90-78. The T-Birds would get as close as six points, but led by Millsap who finished with a game high 25 points Tulsa pulled away down the stretch for a 16 point win.
The T-Birds had five players score in double figures led by Tucker who had 22 points.
The T-Birds will take on the Tulsa 66ers against tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. Prior to the game the Thunderbirds and Santa Ana Star Center will be hosting A Taste of Rio at 4:30 p.m. Fans can enjoy free samples on the concourse from more than 10 Rio Rancho restaurants. There will also be a tasting room featuring drinks from Turtle Mountain Brewery and Matheson Winery. The Thunderbirds' Saturday game will also feature a poster giveaway to the first 500 fans.
Thunderbirds' single game tickets are currently on sale at www.nmtbirds.com or by calling 505-265-3865. The Thunderbirds also offer family four packs: 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 nachos, and 4 drinks for $44.
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