T-Birds Roll Conference Leaders

Published on January 13, 2007 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., January 12, 2007 - The Albuquerque Thunderbirds picked up their second win in their last nine games Friday night as they defeated the Conference leading Colorado 14ers 100-92. The Thunderbirds were led by Duane Erwin's double-double, 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Von Wafer led four Colorado players in double digits with 19 points, 14 of which came in the second half. Louis Amundson pitched in 16 points and Antoine Hood had 14 in a losing effort for the 14ers, the loss snaps Colorado's four game winning streak.

The Thunderbirds were helped by four players in double digit scoring including Eddy Fobbs double-double, 14 points and 11 boards. Jamaal Thomas and Chris Rodgers pitched in a combined 27 points and 8 assists off the bench for the T-birds.

The Thunderbirds relied upon stiff defense in the opening quarter, holding Colorado to 33 percent shooting from the field. Albuquerque shot an impressive 55 percent from the field to open up a six point lead at the end of the first quarter (23-27).

Albuquerque continued their stellar defense in the second quarter as they opened up an 11point half time lead (47-36). The Thunderbirds were aided by six Colorado turnovers in the quarter, three of which came by the way of blocked shots.

The Thunderbirds bench outscored Colorado's bench 19-1 in the third quarter, helping Albuquerque build on their first half lead. At the end of the third quarter Albuquerque's lead had increased to 7 points (80-63).

Mo Charlo had 9 points and 2 steals in his Thunderbirds debut. Charlo is a 6-7 forward from the University of Nevada, who was picked up on waivers from the Anaheim Arsenal.

The 14ers head to Tulsa tomorrow to take on the 66ers at 6:00pm at the Expo Square Pavilion before heading to Sioux Falls for the D-League's annual MLK Showcase.

The Thunderbirds get back to action tomorrow, Saturday, January 13th, as they face the Eastern Conference leading Fort Worth Flyers in a rematch of last years championship game. Game time is set for 7:00pm at Tingley Coliseum and it will be press pass night! Bring your press pass and get a buy one get one free deal on any general admission ticket.

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 (Calif.), Sioux Falls Skyforce (S.D.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.).

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 additional information on the NBA Development League, visit D-LEAGUE.com.

For information on premium seating and general information about the Albuquerque Thunderbirds call (505) 265-DUNK or log on to www.abqtbirds.com.



NBA G League Stories from January 13, 2007


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