Thunderbirds Complete Sweep of Bighorns
December 17, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Rio Rancho, NM - The New Mexico Thunderbirds (7-4) used a big fourth quarter to complete a 15 point second half comeback and beat the Reno Bighorn (7-4) by a score of 96-89.
The Thunderbirds opened the fourth quarter on a 15-2 run to tie up the game for the first time since the first quarter. Reno answered with four quick points to take the lead back 87-83. The Thunderbirds continued their hot fourth quarter by answering with an 11-2 run to take the lead for good. Stephen McDowell hit the go ahead three pointer with 1:35 left in the game.
The Reno Bighorns used a red-hot first quarter to jump out to an early 31-26 lead. Eight different players scored for the Bighorns who shot 61.9% (13-21) in the first quarter. Shane Edwards led all scorers with 10 points in the quarter.
The Thunderbirds closed to within three points in the second quarter, but Reno answered with a quick 7-0 spurt to open the lead up to 10 points. The Thunderbirds shot just 31.9% in the first half and trailed 54-44. Aaron Miles led the way for Reno in the first half with 12 points and five assists.
In the third quarter, the Thunderbirds got the game into single digits after a Dar Tucker layup and Dominique Coleman technical free that made the score 58-50. Nick Fazekas answered with a quick 5-0 run of his own to extend the lead to 13 points. The Bighorns would lead by that 13 point margin after three quarters, 81-68.
The Thunderbirds would then outscore the Bighorns 28-8 in the fourth quarter to complete the two-game sweep.
Tucker led the way for the Thunderbirds with 25 points. McDowell, who hit the go-ahead three added a season high 20 points, all of them coming in the second half.
The Thunderbirds next game is at the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Monday, Dec. 20. They will then wrap up the month on Dec. 31 with "Hoopin' and Hollerin' New Years Eve", featuring a special performance by actor and comedian, Steven Michael Quezada.
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.
• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...
NBA G League Stories from December 17, 2010
- Skyforce Falters Down The Stretch In Loss To Flash - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- Late Surge Lifts T-Birds Over Bighorns, 96-89 - Reno Bighorns
- Thunderbirds Complete Sweep of Bighorns - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Wizards Get First Win at Home - Dakota Wizards
- Energy Hold off BayHawks 104-103 in Thriller - Iowa Wolves
- Fort Wayne Tops Tulsa, 92-80 - Tulsa 66ers
- Legends Lose Opener in Dakota 115-102 - Texas Legends
- Vipers Stay Undefeated at Home - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Armor Drop Another Close Game to Maine - Springfield Armor
- Stanley Asumnu Returns to Active Roster - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- BayHawks Acquire Adrien, Waive Gunter - Erie BayHawks
- Energy Add Stefhon Hannah to Roster - Iowa Wolves
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
