T-Birds Rally Comes up Just Short
January 21, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Sioux Falls, SD - The New Mexico Thunderbirds (11-13) late rally came up just short as dropped the first game of a five-game road trip to the Sioux Falls Skyforce (3-18) by a score of 97-96 on Friday night.
With the Thunderbirds trailing by eight points and two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, they went on a 10-2 run to tie up the game. Dar Tucker scored seven points during the run including a game tying three-pointer with 13.9 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession the Skyforce answered with a three-pointer from Sean Marshall to give them a three-point lead and eventually the victory.
In the first quarter, the Skyforce's Dexter Pittman got off to a quick start scoring nine of the teams first 13 points to give them a 13-9 lead. The Thunderbirds would pull even and the teams were tied at 24-24 after one quarter.
The Skyforce started the second quarter on a 10-1 run to take a 34-25 lead. Led by Edwards who had a game high 15 points at the half, the Thunderbirds outscored Sioux Falls 16-7 to close the half and tie up the game 41-41. The T-Birds shot just 35.4% in the first half, but were able to pull even at the break.
In the third quarter, with the Thunderbirds leading 48-46, the Skyforce went on a 7-0 to open up a 53-48 lead. Tucker scored nine points in the quarter including two 3-pointers and helped the T-Birds close the gap to one-point heading into the final quarter.
Sioux Falls opened the fourth quarter on a 12-2 run to take an 11 point lead and control of the game. Pittman, who had a game high 20 points, scored five points during the run for the Skyforce.
Tucker and Edwards combined to score 55 of the T-Birds' 96 points. New Mexico also shot a season low 37.1%.
The win was the first for the Sioux Falls Skyforce since Dec. 4, ending a 13 game losing streak.
The Thunderbirds will continue their five-game road trip tomorrow when they go for the two-game split against the Skyforce at 6:00 p.m.
They will return home on Feb. 1 for the Night of Thunder, in which Rio Rancho High School and Cleveland High School will square off prior to the Thunderbirds games against the Texas Legends.
Thunderbirds' season tickets are currently on sale, with full and partial season packages available. Single game tickets are also now available online 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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NBA G League Stories from January 21, 2011
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