T-Birds Fall To Toros
Published on December 5, 2009 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Dec. 5, 2009 - Carlos Powell led the Albuquerque Thunderbirds with 28 points, but the team came up just short against the visiting Austin Toros, falling 104 - 103. Keith McLeod was strong down the stretch for the T-Birds yet again, with 12 of his 24 points coming in the fourth quarter.
In a game that featured 23 lead changes and 17 ties, the Thunderbirds poor shooting caught up with them in the end. The Thunderbirds shot just 39.8% from the field, while Austin shot 53.2%.
The Toros held a 59 - 56 advantage at intermission - identical to the halftime score from the two teams' previous contest. Corey Underwood opened the second half with a ten foot bank shot, and Yaroslav Korolev added five quick points as the T-Birds grabbed a four point lead three minutes into the second half.
Albuquerque head coach John Coffino was ejected from the game with 53.3 seconds to play in the third after receiving his second technical foul. The Thunderbirds trailed 82-79 at the end of the quarter, but opened the fourth with a 10 to 4 run to take a three point lead at the 8:50 mark. The Toros tied the game at 97 with 4:30 to play, and were able to eventually pull away for the one-point victory. Malik Hairston led the Toros with 27 points before fouling out with 5:45 to play. Alonzo Gee added 19, and Curtis Jerrells chipped in 17 for Austin.
Korolev added 11 points and 13 rebounds for Albuquerque, and Underwood (11) and Antoine Agudio (10) also scored in double figures.
The Thunderbirds fall to 2 - 2 on the season, while Austin improves to 3 - 3.
The Thunderbirds will next be in action on Dec. 9 when they again take on the Austin Toros. The game will start at 6:30 pm MT and will take place at the Austin Convention Center.
Thunderbirds Season Tickets and mini plans are still available for as low as $4 per game. Call 505.265.3865 or visit www.abqtbirds.com for more information.
NBA G League Stories from December 5, 2009
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- T-Birds Fall To Toros - New Mexico Thunderbirds
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