Thunderbirds Lose Thriller To Toros
December 15, 2009 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, NM, Dec. 15, 2009 - Despite a furious second half comeback, the Albuquerque Thunderbirds fell to the Austin Toros on Tuesday night, 110 - 104. Carlos Powell led the way for the T-Birds with 25 points, while Kevin Pittsnogle added 23.
The Toros led 44 - 42 at the half, as both teams struggled from the field early on. Tony Danridge paced the Thunderbirds with 13 first half points on 6 of 7 shooting.
Austin went on an 18 - 0 run early in the third quarter to push the lead to 64 - 46. Pittsnogle ended the run with a long three, and the team went on to hit six threes over the next 12 minutes to close the gap to one midway through the fourth quarter.
The game became a free throw shooting contest down the stretch, and Austin eventually pulled away for the six point victory. Pittsnogle, Powell and Chad Toppert each fouled out for the Thunderbirds in the final minutes, as the team was unable to close the gap.
Curtis Jerrells led the Toros with 34 points on 12 of 19 shooting. Dwayne Jones had a double-double for the visitors with 27 points and 24 rebounds.
Danridge added 17 points for Albuquerque, and Yaroslav Korolev had his second double-double of the season with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Albuquerque shot 44.3% from the field and 46.7% from three. Austin shot 50.0% for the game. The two teams combined for 77 points in the fourth quarter.
The Thunderbirds will be in action on Dec. 18 when they again host the Austin Toros at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, NM. The game 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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