Thunderbirds Dominate 66ers in Win
Published on December 19, 2005 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., December 18, 2005- The Albuquerque Thunderbirds complete a two game weekend sweep after defeating the Tulsa 66ers 104-90 on Sunday afternoon at Tingley Coliseum. The win moved Michael Cooper's team to 7-3 on the season.
Albuquerque jumped on the 66ers early claiming a 32-15 lead behind the efforts of game-high scorer, Joe Ship who poured in 15 points in the first quarter and finished with 25 on the day. Other Thunderbirds to score in double figures included Marcus Douthit (17 Points, 8 rebounds), Chuck Hayes (14 points, 12 rebounds), TJ Cummings (12 points), and Yuta Tabuse (10 Points, and 6 assists).
The Thunderbirds were able to go into the locker room at halftime with a 54-34 dominating lead. The 66ers made a push in the third quarter cutting the lead to 12 with five minutes left in the third but were never able to get any closer in the fourteen point defeat.
Sean Banks led the 66ers in scoring with 14 points, and was followed by Torraye Braggs (13 points) and Will Conroy (12 points).
"This was our best complete game yet." said Thunderbird head coach Michael Cooper. "It was fun to watch!"
Albuquerque's only loss this afternoon was Forward Chuck Hayes who sprained his left ankle with 7:30 left in the game and did not return to action.
The Thunderbirds look to win their third in a row and remain undefeated at home as they welcome the Fort Worth Flyers to town on December 23rd. The game will be played at Tingley Coliseum. Tipoff is 7p.m.
Thunderbirds tickets start as low as $9 and can be purchased at abqtbirds.com or at Ticketmaster locations. For premium or group seating call the Thunderbirds office at (505) 265-DUNK.
The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Fayetteville Patriots (N.C.), Florida Flame (Ft. Myers), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Roanoke Dazzle (Va.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.).
The D-League offers players the opportunity to develop their talent in a highly competitive atmosphere under the NBA's umbrella. Thirty-four (34) players have been called up to the NBA on 50 separate occasions. Eleven (11) former D-League coaches, six athletic trainers, 14 referees and 30 front office executives have also been called up since the start of the league's inaugural season in November 2001.
Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the league also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. The D-League is a source of on-court talent for the NBA's 30 teams and is a diverse human resources pool for the NBA and its teams by training employees in management, operations, public relations, sales and marketing positions.
For more information about the Albuquerque Thunderbirds call (505) 265-DUNK or log on to www.abqtbirds.com.
NBA G League Stories from December 19, 2005
- John Lucas, III and Tulsa 66ers to Sign Autographs - Tulsa 66ers
- Flame Sweep Patriots - Florida Flame
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
- Thunderbirds Dominate 66ers in Win - New Mexico Thunderbirds
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