Thunderbirds Drop Fourth Straight
December 12, 2009 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
HIDALGO, TEXAS - The Albuquerque Thunderbirds dropped their fourth consecutive game on Saturday night, losing to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers 127 - 110. Carlos Powell led the T-Birds with 23 points on 8 - 13 shooting.
Rio Grande Valley led 31-24 at the end of the first quarter, and pushed the lead to 64 - 51 at the half. The Vipers led by as many as 18 in the first half.
The Thunderbirds heated up from the field in the third quarter, scoring 34 points in the period to narrow the gap to 97-85 heading into the fourth. Albuquerque got within 8 in the third quarter, but Rio Grande Valley outscored the T-Birds 30 - 25 in the final frame to pull away for the 17 point victory.
Keith McLeod added 18 points and five assists for Albuquerque. Yaroslav Korolev also scored 18, while Kevin Pittsnogle (17), Antoine Agudio (15) and Chad Toppert (11) also scored in double figures.
Mike Harris again led the way for Rio Grande Valley with 23 points. Garrett Temple added 21, while Joey Dorsey (18 points and 18 rebounds) and Antonio Anderson (17 points and 13 assists) recorded double-doubles for the Vipers.
The game featured four lead changes and three ties, all in the first quarter. Rio Grande Valley shot 56.8% for the game, while holding Albuquerque to 48.6% shooting.
The Thunderbirds fall to 2 - 5 on the season, while Rio Grande Valley improves to 6 - 1.
The Thunderbirds will next be in action on Dec. 15 when they host the Austin Toros at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, NM. The T-Birds will play two games at the Santa Ana Star Center this season, on Dec. 15 and Dec. 18. Both games will begin at 7:00 pm MT.
Tickets are still available for the games at the Santa Ana Star Center for as low as $6. Call 505.265.3865 or visit www.abqtbirds.com for more information.
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