T-Birds Run Out Of Steam At Home Against Vipers
February 2, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, NM, Feb. 2, 2010 - The Albuquerque Thunderbirds hosted their annual Hoops For Education game on Tuesday morning, and came out of the gates on fire. The T-Birds led 49-35 at the break, much to the delight of the 2,861 kids in attendance. The game was a tale of two halves, however, and Rio Grande Valley eventually came back and pulled away for a 106-88 victory.
Albuquerque started the game aggressively, and led 27-22 at the end of the first quarter. The T-Birds pushed the lead to 14 at the half, thanks to 48.6% shooting from the field.
Rio Grande Valley came out from the break strong, and took its first lead of the game, 62-61, with 5:10 remaining in the third. The Vipers outscored Albuquerque 44-20 in the third quarter, and held a ten point lead going into the final period.
Albuquerque failed to mount a comeback in the final period, and Rio Grande Valley went on to post the 18 point victory.
Carlos Powell led the way for Albuquerque with 27 points. The do-everything forward from South Carolina was named an NBA Development League All-Star during the game, and has season averages of 22.5 ppg, 4.9 apg, and 4.9 rpg. Powell was also named a D-League All-Star in 2008.
Antoine Agudio (18) and Chad Toppert (13) also scored in double figures for the Thunderbirds.
The Vipers' Mike Harris led all scorers with 31 points. He also added 22 rebounds (11 offensive) to lead all players. Jermaine Taylor added 30 points for Rio Grande Valley.
The Thunderbirds led by as many as 16 in the game, while the Vipers biggest lead was 20.
The T-Birds will be in action on Feb. 2 when they again host the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. All fans that bring a ticket from today's game will be admitted to the game free of charge. Call 505.265.3865 or visit www.abqtbirds.com for more information.
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