T-Birds Take Down Jam in Overtime
March 22, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Rio Rancho, NM - The New Mexico Thunderbirds (18-27) trailed by as many as 10 points in the second half, but came from behind to beat the Bakersfield Jam (28-16) 104-100 in overtime.
In the first quarter the T-Birds raced out to a 6-0 lead behind a couple of 3-pointers from Marcus Hubbard and Dar Tucker. The T-Birds would finish the quarter with a 20-19 lead.
With the Thunderbirds still leading by one in the second quarter, Bakersfield went on a 7-2 run to open up their largest lead of the game at six points. Led by Derrick Byars who had 13 points at the half, the Jam would hold a 48-43 lead at the break. Jamine Peterson led all scorers with 14 points at the half.
The Jam started the second half on a 10-5 run to give them their largest lead of the game at 58-48. The T-Birds answered with an 11-4 run to cut the lead to four points. Bakersfield would lead by that four point margin heading into the fourth quarter, 74-70.
The T-Birds began the fourth quarter on a 12-4 run to take an 82-78 lead. After the Jam closed the lead to one point, the Thunderbirds scored eight of the next 10 points to give them their largest lead of the game at seven points. The Jam would answer with a 10-1 run of their own to take the lead back, 93-91. J.R. Giddens then tied up the game at 93-93 by hitting two free throws with 40 seconds. Abdulai Jalloh then gave the Thunderbirds the lead back with a jumper from in the lane with 6.2 seconds remaining. Trey Johnson then answered with a jumper of his own with just one second left on the clock to send the game into overtime.
In overtime, the T-Birds started overtime on an 8-3 run capped by a Peterson dunk to give them a 103-98 lead. They would go on to win by four points.
Tucker finished the game with a double-double for the T-Birds scoring 26 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.
The T-Birds will finish up their six-game homestand on tomorrow when they play the second of two games against the Bakersfield Jam at 7:30 p.m. Tomorrow will kick off the NBA's Green Week. The T-Birds will also be having a foam finger giveaway to the first 500 fans in attendance.
Thunderbirds' single game tickets are currently on sale at www.nmtbirds.comor 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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