Thunderbirds Rally Comes up Short
February 13, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Erie, PA - Despite a big third quarter, in which the New Mexico Thunderbirds (14-21) outscored the Erie Bayhawks (23-9) 36-21, the T-Birds dropped their sixth consecutive game, 120-115.
Led by Blake Ahearn, who scored the first five points of the game, the Bayhawks jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead. The Thunderbirds would cut the lead to one point with 8:25 to go in the quarter, but then Erie went on 13-2 run to take a 24-12 lead. They would hold a 14 point advantage after one quarter.
In the second quarter, the Thunderbirds cut the lead to eight on a Nik Raivio 3-pointer. The Bayhawks would respond with a 16-8 run to take their largest lead of the game, 60-44. Ivan Johnson had another big half for the Bayhawks leading all scorers with 19 points and Erie led 65-50 at the break.
The Bayhawks still led by 12 points with 8:20 to go in the third quarter, but then the Thunderbirds went on a 24-7 run to take their first lead of the game, 86-81. The Bayhawks closed the quarter by scoring five straight points and the teams were tied at 86 heading into the fourth.
The two teams traded baskets to start the fourth quarter, but after a Raivio 3-pointer gave the T-Birds a one point lead, the Bayhawks went on an 8-0 run to take a 99-92 lead. With 2:40 to go in the game, Abdulai Jalloh hit three straight free throws that cut the lead to just one point. With the T-Birds still trailing by one point Tasmin Mitchell hit a jumper with 1:01 to go in the game to push the lead back to three points. Marcus Hubbard answered with a layup that once again put the T-Birds within one point. Ahearn would then hit four straight free throws in the final seconds for the Bayhawks that would clinch the victory.
Ahearn finished with a game high 39 points that included a perfect 18-for-18 from the free throw line.
Shane Edwards led the T-Birds in scoring with 20 points, all of which came in the second half.
The Thunderbirds will be off until Feb. 24 when they visit the Austin Toros at 6:30 p.m. The T-Birds will return home for March Giveaway Madness beginning on March 2 for Defined Fitness Night with a T-Bird Magnet giveaway.
Thunderbirds' season tickets are currently on sale, with full and partial season packages available. Single game tickets are also now available online at www.nmtbirds.com or by calling 505-265-3865. The Thunderbirds also offer family four packs: 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 nachos, and 4 drinks for $44.
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NBA G League Stories from February 13, 2011
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