Thunderbirds Rally for Sixth Straight Victory
March 3, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Albuquerque, N.M., March 2, 2007 -- The Albuquerque Thunderbirds extended their win streak to six games Friday night by defeating the Arkansas RimRockers 107 to 93. The Thunderbirds turned what was a close game through three quarters into a fourth quarter dunk show and outscored Arkansas 19 to 4 in the paint in the final 12 minutes.
Dijon Thompson led all scorers with 21 points and registered the game's only double-double by adding 14 rebounds. All five Thunderbirds starters scored in double digits and Joe Shipp added 16 after coming off the bench. Shannon Brown, recently assigned to Albuquerque by the Cleveland Cavaliers, had 14 points and 6 assists in his first game with the team. Brandon Robinson had a crowd pleasing 20 points, most of which came on impressive dunks.
Olu Famutimi had 20 points and 9 rebounds to lead the RimRockers. Unfortunately for Arkansas, 14 of those points came in the first half and he never got going again after the break. Other top scorers for Arkansas included Rodger Powell with 18 while JR Pinnock and Anthony Roberson added 11 each.
Roberson had 7 points on 3 of 5 shooting for the RimRockers in the first quarter, as both teams played great defense before the scoring opened up late in the quarter. After one quarter, Arkansas led by seven, 30-23.
Famutimi led all scorers in the second quarter with 12 points and 3 rebounds for Arkansas. Thompson pitched in 9 points for the Thunderbirds to keep the game interesting but the RimRockers were able to extend their lead to 10 by the half, 54-44.
The Thunderbirds picked up the pace in the third quarter and outscored Arkansas 22-14. The tough defense and run-and-gun offense allowed Albuquerque to take their first lead since the first quarter. Brandon Robinson had 8 points in the quarter including a reverse dunk that ignited the crowd and pulled the T-Birds within one. By the end of the third, Albuquerque had stretched their lead to 76-71.
The RimRockers continue their road trip tomorrow, Saturday, March 3rd when they travel to Austin, TX to take on the Toro's. Game time is set for 6:00pm (M.S.T.) at the Austin Convention Center.
The Thunderbirds will continue their home stand tomorrow night against the Los Angeles D-Fenders. The first 2500 fans will receive a free Thunderbirds cap, compliments of Isleta Casino & Resort. The First 1000 fans will also receive an Andreas Glyniadakis autograph card, game time is set for 7:00pm at Tingley Coliseum. Press Pass members can buy one ticket and get one free.
The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Anaheim Arsenal (Calif.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Bakersfield Jam (Calif.), Colorado 14ers (Broomfield), Dakota Wizards (Bismarck, N.D.), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Idaho Stampede (Boise), Los Angeles D-Fenders, Sioux Falls Skyforce (S.D.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.). Expansion teams in Orem, Utah, the Rio Grande Valley in Texas and Des Moines, Iowa have also been announced for the 2007-08 season.
The D-League continues to develop talent from across all disciplines for the NBA's 30 teams and the entire NBA umbrella. Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices.
For information on premium seating and general information about the Albuquerque Thunderbirds call (505) 265-DUNK or log on to www.abqtbirds.com.
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