Thunderbirds Snap Losing Streak
Published on December 17, 2005 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., December 16, 2005- The Albuquerque Thunderbirds were able to end their short two game losing streak, as they defeated the Tulsa 66ers 97-93 at Tingley Coliseum on Friday night, giving the Thunderbirds a 6-3 record on the season.
The Thunderbirds jumped out to a 29-22 lead after one quarter. The 66ers were able to make a charge and grab the lead 40-39 with 4:35 left in the second quarter, but that was the last time they would lead as the Thunderbirds went into the locker room at half with a 56-50 advantage.
The Thunderbirds came out strong in the third forming a comfortable 16 point lead by the beginning of the fourth quarter. The 66ers would make a run midway through the fourth but it would not be enough, sending the crowd home happy with a four point win.
"It was a very well played game," said Albuquerque head coach Michael Cooper. "Our bench played well and that is the key to us doing good things."
Bryant Mathews led all scorers with 23 points while pulling down four rebounds. Other Thunderbirds to score in double figures were Chuck Hayes (18 points), Joe Shipp (17 points), and TJ Cummings (14 points).
The 66ers were led by John Lucas who scored 20 points, and Ersan IIyasova who tallied 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.
Other highlights of the evening included a guest appearance by the Houston Rockets mascot (Clutch), as well as a wedding proposal that ended with a "Yes."
The Thunderbirds play the second of a four game home stand Sunday afternoon at 3:00pm against the same Tulsa 66ers squad.
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 D-League offers players the opportunity to develop their talent in a highly competitive atmosphere under the NBA's umbrella. Thirty-four (34) players have been called up to the NBA on 50 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.
NBA G League Stories from December 17, 2005
- Flyers Earn Second Overtime Win Over Toros - Fort Worth Flyers
- D-League daily developments - G League
- Flame Vault Into First Place Tie With 95-92 Win Over Patriots - Florida Flame
- Dazzle Turns Tables On RimRockers to Take 127-94 Victory - Roanoke Dazzle
- Thunderbirds Snap Losing Streak - New Mexico Thunderbirds
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