T-Birds Stung by Mad Ants
March 28, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Rio Rancho, NM - The New Mexico Thunderbirds saw their hopes of a miraculous end of season turnaround dashed by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (23-25) tonight by a score of 129-97. The T-Birds, whose record stands now at 20-28, were eliminated from playoff contention with just two games left to play in the regular season. The Mad Ants had 8 players finish in double figures to handily defeat the New Mexico Thunderbirds in Fort Wayne at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
The first period of play saw 6 lead changes and 5 ties. At the end of the first 12 minutes the Thunderbirds led 27-25. However, the Mad Ants were able to shoot 70% from the floor in the second period to take control of the lead and finished the second period with a ten point lead (60-50) at the half.
The Mad Ants dominated the second half scoring, as they hit 9 three pointers in the third and fourth quarters to widen their lead to as much as 36 points late in the fourth period. Jamine Peters' 18 second half points were not enough to counter the offensive onslaught of the Mad Ants.
The short-handed T-Birds, who had medically waived Kevin Lyde earlier in the month and were missing All Star Shane Edwards due to an ankle injury, were limited to a roster of 8 players. The Thunderbirds were led by Peters, who led all scorers with 36 points. Josh Bostic added 18 and Walter Sharpe contributed another 13 off of the bench.
The Thunderbirds will return home to play their final two games of the season at the Santa Ana Star Center against the Eastern Conference champs, the Iowa Energy, on April 1st for Hoops for Education Night and April 2nd for Dribble to Stop Diabetes and Fan Appreciation Night.
Thunderbirds' single and group 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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