Thunderbirds pick up must-needed win
March 25, 2006 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Albuquerque Thunderbirds pick up a big win that moves them into a three-way tie for third place in the NBA Development League Standings with only six games to play, Saturday afternoon at Tingley Coliseum against the Fayetteville Patriots. In a game that included 10 lead changes, the Thunderbirds were able to take control of the game in the fourth quarter giving them the 98-86 win.
Thunderbirds started the game hot as they scored an impressive 30 points in the first quarter giving them a 30-20 lead after one quarter of play. The Patriots were able to respond starting the second quarter on a 15-5 run, getting them back into the game. The game was played tight for the remainder of the half and the T-Birds went into the locker room up 51-49.
Neither team were able to take control of the game in the third quarter as both teams traded baskets leaving the score 75-70 Albuquerque, heading into the final quarter of play.
In the fourth quarter the T-Birds took over. Starting with a 16-5 run, Albuquerque held onto a 14 point lead with five minutes to play, and cruised to the victory.
"This was a good win," said Thunderbird head coach, Michael Cooper. "We needed it to stay alive."
Thunderbird forward's TJ Cummings, and Brandon Robinson both recorded a double-double, with TJ scoring 19, and grabbing 15 rebounds. Robinson scored 17 points with 10 rebounds. Marcus Douthit just missed a double-double of his own with nine rebounds and 13 points.
Four Patriots scored in double figures including; Kevin Johnson (12 points), Ryan Randle (11 points), Darnell Miller (11 points), and Amir Johnson (11 points).
Both teams will play again tomorrow at Tingley Coliseum, with tipoff set for 3pm.
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 Bakersfield Jam (Calif.) will begin play with the start of the 2006-07 season.
The D-League offers players the opportunity to develop their talent in a highly competitive atmosphere under the NBA's umbrella. Forty-two (42) players have been called up to the NBA on 61 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.
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NBA G League Stories from March 25, 2006
- RimRockers defeat Toros - Arkansas RimRockers
- Victor's 46 Points the Difference As Roanoke Outlasts Florida 98-97 - Florida Flame
- Thunderbirds pick up must-needed win - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- NBA D-League daily developments - G League
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