Thunderbirds Defeat Jam on Opening Night
November 27, 2009 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Albuquerque Thunderbirds defeated the Bakersfield Jam on Friday night, led by Carlos Powell's 20 points and nine rebounds. The T-Birds trailed for much of the first half, but were able to put the Jam away in large part due to a strong defensive effort that held the visitors to 30.8% shooting from the field.
The Thunderbirds trailed 26-17 at the end of the first quarter, but Chad Toppert opened the second quarter with a deep three to close the gap to 26-20. The T-Birds outscored the Jam 32-20 in the second quarter to take a 49-46 lead going into halftime.
Carlos Powell led the T-Birds with 11 points at the half, with Tony Danridge adding 10 first half points of his own. Yarolsav Korolev opened the second half with six straight T-Birds' points to extend the Thunderbirds' lead.
The Thunderbirds led 79-66 at the end of the third quarter, and pushed the lead to 25 with 4:24 to go in the game. Bakersfield closed strong, but Albuquerque's lead was too much for the visitors to overcome. The Thunderbirds crossed the century mark on a two-handed dunk from Erek Hansen with just under one minute to play, brining the home crowd to its feet.
The Thunderbirds had six players score in double figures - led by Powell with 20, Keith McLeod with 19, Tony Danridge with 16, Korolev with 15, and Antoine Agudio and Cory Underwood with 10 apiece.
Reece Gaines led Bakersfield with 19 points. Jared Newson added 18 and Justin Hawkins pitched in 16 for the Jam.
The game featured eight ties and five lead changes, all of which took place in the first half. The Thunderbirds outscored the Jam 40 to 18 in the paint.
The team will play its exhibition opponent, the Los Angeles D-Fenders, on Nov. 28 at 7:00 pm.
Thunderbirds Season Tickets and mini plans are still available for as low as $4 per game. Call 505.265.3865 or visit www.abqtbirds.com for more information. Make plans now to be at Opening Weekend, Nov. 27 and 28.
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